Chelsea Eye Benfica Winger Gianluca Prestianni in Transfer Battle with Tottenham and Man Utd

Chelsea are monitoring Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, though they face stiff competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, according to TEAMtalk.

Who Is Gianluca Prestianni?

The 20-year-old Argentine is among the latest crop of South American talents making an impact in Europe. He came through the youth ranks at Vélez Sarsfield, making his senior debut in May 2022 aged just 16. That appearance made him the club’s youngest debutant and one of the youngest in Copa Libertadores history.

After 39 first-team outings in total, he joined Benfica in January 2024. His Transfermarkt valuation currently stands at £34m, though a deal could cost considerably more.

Prestianni’s Impressive Start to the Season

Prestianni appears to have put a difficult personal episode behind him, contributing 11 goals and assists in 12 games across all competitions. That already surpasses his tally from 41 appearances last term by two. Those displays have reportedly rekindled interest from several top-flight clubs.

Which Clubs Are Interested?

TEAMtalk claims Chelsea have run the rule over the two-cap Argentina international in recent months to gauge his readiness. Tottenham and United have also made checks, while Brighton and Newcastle are said to be keen. No formal approach has been made so far.

Would Chelsea Be the Right Fit?

Xabi Alonso already has plenty of wide options, but his back-three system tends to use them as wing-backs, as with Pedro Neto, or as inside creators, such as Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers. That has limited natural wingers like Estevao, Geovany Quenda and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens to reduced roles.

Prestianni, praised as “very special” by his Benfica manager, thrives on flair and direct running from the flank.

Our Take

Chelsea’s structure could work against them here. Asking Prestianni to operate as a number ten would blunt his main strengths, and with Tottenham and United potentially offering more natural wide roles, they may hold the advantage. It will be fascinating to see how his future unfolds.