Bournemouth close to signing Antonio Silva from Benfica | OneFootball

Bournemouth are close to signing Benfica defender Antonio Silva, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

AC Milan looked like his next destination, but the move died after they picked up Mario Gila.

The Cherries have secured Silva’s services after he rejected their renewal offer.

Silva has been highly-touted since his youth days, earmarking himself as one of the best centre-halves in the Portuguese top-flight.

His aerial ability, reading of the game and passing out from the back make him a top defender, and he is an astute pick-up for Bournemouth.

He made 25 Primeira Liga appearances last season, bagging one goal and one assist. He helped Benfica keep seven clean sheets.

Bournemouth have lost Marcos Senesi, who joined Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer, and Silva is a stellar replacement.

Silva is an upgrade on Senesi, as he has a stronger physical presence. However, the Spurs man is better on the ball.

Bournemouth deserve enormous credit for the way they have approached this deal.

In a market where prices continue to spiral out of control, the Cherries have identified a proven young international with huge resale value rather than paying inflated fees for reputation alone.

Spurs committed around £52 million to sign Jan Paul Van Hecke, a defender entering the final year of his contract.

Meanwhile, Bournemouth have signed one of Portugal’s brightest defensive talents for less than €30m.

It is the type of recruitment that has become Bournemouth’s trademark in recent years, targeting players before their value explodes.

If Silva settles quickly in the Premier League, he could prove to be one of the bargains of the summer and another transfer masterclass from the club’s recruitment department.