Newcastle Joins Premier League Rivals in Race for Argentina International

Newcastle United continues to monitor younger attacking players as Ross Wilson shapes the club’s recruitment strategy around midfielders and forwards capable of developing alongside Matthias Jaissle’s evolving squad.

According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Newcastle is among five Premier League clubs tracking Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Brighton have also watched the 20-year-old’s development in Portugal in recent months.

Chelsea are among a cluster of Premier League clubs closely monitoring Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, with TEAMtalk understanding that the Argentine’s rapid development in Portugal has reignited interest from across England,“ Bailey reported. “Sources have confirmed that Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Brighton have all checked on Prestianni’s progress in recent months as scouts assess whether the youngster is ready for the next step in his career.”

The interest remains preliminary, with no club currently preparing an official approach for the Argentina international.

“While no formal approaches are currently being prepared, interest in the winger is growing as he continues to impress in Portugal,” Bailey added.

Prestianni joined Benfica from Velez Sarsfield in January 2024 for a reported €9 million after already attracting attention from English clubs in Argentina. His development since moving to Europe has now renewed that Premier League interest.

Benfica, however, is aware of the increased scouting activity and is attempting to strengthen its position by securing Prestianni to a new long-term contract. The Portuguese club views the Argentina international as an important asset rather than a player it is actively looking to sell.

Previous reports placed Benfica’s asking price between €15 million and €22 million during interest from Trabzonspor last summer, although his current Transfermarkt valuation stands at €40 million.

Would Prestianni be the type of young winger Newcastle should move early for, or should the club prioritize a more established right-sided attacker? Share your thoughts in the comments.