Chelsea join Arsenal in race for viral Benfica right back

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Arsenal face competition from Chelsea in the race to sign Benfica’s breakout right back, Daniel Banjaqui, according to a report from TeamTalk.

The 18 year old has emerged as one of the most talked about young talents in Portugal this season, having progressed from Benfica’s B team into Marco Silva’s first team squad. His early performances at senior level have impressed observers and helped establish him as one of the standout prospects of his age group in European football.

Arsenal monitoring Benfica’s academy product

Arsenal are reportedly among the clubs keeping tabs on Banjaqui’s progress as Mikel Arteta’s side continues to assess young talent that could strengthen the squad in future transfer windows. The Gunners have built a reputation in recent years for identifying promising teenagers early, often moving before a player’s stock rises too high on the open market.

Banjaqui’s rapid rise from academy football to regular involvement under Silva has only added to his appeal. Clubs looking to secure emerging defenders before they fully establish themselves at the top level will see him as exactly the type of signing worth pursuing now rather than later.

According to TeamTalk, Arsenal are among the sides keen to sign the teenager, with the report suggesting the Premier League champions could look to act on their interest if the opportunity presents itself.

Chelsea set up London rivalry for signature

Arsenal will not have a free run at Banjaqui, however. The same report states that Chelsea are also interested in bringing the right back to west London, setting up potential competition between the two Premier League clubs for his signature.

Chelsea have shown a consistent appetite for signing young talent from across Europe in recent transfer windows, and Banjaqui would fit the profile of player the club has targeted under its current recruitment strategy. Should both London sides formally pursue a deal, it would add an extra layer of intrigue to any negotiations with Benfica.

Arsenal are aware that convincing Banjaqui to leave Portugal for England may not be straightforward, particularly while he continues to receive regular opportunities under Silva at a club with a strong track record of developing and selling academy talent to Europe’s biggest sides.

For now, Banjaqui remains focused on cementing his place in Benfica’s first team, but his situation is one both Arsenal and Chelsea are likely to continue monitoring closely as the season progresses.