Jorge Jesus tired of waiting on Al Musrati wants Arao

Benfica bench boss Jorge Jesus has asked the club to go after one of his former Flamengo players in defensive midfielder Willian Arao according to reports from Portugal. Jesus is frustrated with the progress that the club has made on Braga's Al Musrati and wants to shore up his midfield with the season less then a month away.

Jesus is a fan of Arao's characteristics and what he can bring to the number six position, the move would also cost substantially less then the acquisition of Musrati. Jesus asked the club for two new midfielders this off season and with Joao Mario close to joining the club, Arao would be the second midfielder.

Arao has been with Flamengo since January 2016 and has appeared in 231 games for the club across all competitions, scoring 19 goals while setting up an additional 19. Arao has spent his entire playing career in Brazil and a move to Benfica would be the first time playing abroad for the 29 year old. Arao was a member of Jesus' 2019 Copa Libertadores squad.

Benfica 2021/22 season schedule released

The Portuguese League released the 2021/22 season schedule earlier today and Benfica have learned their path to reclaiming glory during the upcoming campaign. Benfica will open the season on the road against Moreirense in August and kick off their home league schedule the following week against recently promoted Arouca at the Estadio da Luz.

Benfica will face Sporting in the Lisbon Derby in Week 13 when they host last seasons league champions. Benfica will travel to Porto for the Classico in Week 16 facing FC Porto at the Dragao, other notable encounters are a Week 5 match up in the Acores against Santa Clara, they host Braga in Week 11 and end the season on the road at Pacos Ferreira.

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Benfica interested in Werder Bremen midfielder

Benfica's search for midfield help has them now linked with Werder Bremen's attacking midfielder Leonardo Bittencourt according to German publication Bild. The 27 year old looks set to head elsewhere after the historic German club was relegated to the second division for the coming season. Bremen are said to be open to moving Bittencourt for a mere €5M.

Benfica have previously been linked to Bittencourt during the summer of 2018 but the German born midfielder declined to leave Germany instead opting for a move from Cologne who he was with at the time and joining Hoffenheim. Bittencourt appeared in 29 games across all competitions last season, scoring five goals while setting up two.