Italian clubs interested in Benfica's Rafa Silva

Italian clubs are reportedly interested in signing Benfica's Rafa Silva. The 29-year-old Portuguese winger has been in impressive form this season, scoring twelve goals and providing nine assists across all competitions. According to reports in Portugal, Lazio and Napoli are among a host of clubs monitoring Rafa's situation at Benfica. 

The Italian sides are said to be impressed with his performances and believe that he would add quality to their respective squads. Rafa joined Benfica from Braga in the summer of 2016 and has since become a key player for the Lisbon-based club. The winger's current contract with Benfica runs until the summer of 2024, but it remains to be seen if he will stay at the club beyond this season. 

Overall, it will be interesting to see how this transfer saga unfolds over the coming months as Italian clubs continue their pursuit of Rafa Silva.

Benfica hope to sign new contract with Otamendi

Benfica are pushing forward in new contract discussions with current captain Nicolas Otamendi who's contract is set to expire at the conclusion of the this season. The 35 year old center back has been a member of the club since the summer of 2020 and has appeared in 118 games across all competitions, the regular in the clubs starting XI, Otamendi has scored two goals while providing two helpers. Otamendi has been vital in the grooming of the clubs 19 year old star center back Antonio Silva.

Benfica players depart for International break

The international break is upon us once again and a group of Benfica players have departed to represent their countries during this current break which will see a total of ten Benfica players away from this squad.

Players who will be representing their countries:

Portugal - Goncalo Ramos, Joao Mario, Antonio Silva

Portugal U21 - Samuel Soares

Argentina - Nicolas Otamendi

Croatia - Petar Musa

Norway - Fredrik Aursnes

Greece - Odysseas Vlachodimos

Denmark - Alexander Bah

Norway U19 - Andreas Schjelderup