Benfica ‘to move for’ Gustavo Puerta if Richard Ríos exits | OneFootball

Record reports that Benfica are monitoring Racing Santander midfielder Gustavo Puerta as a possible replacement for Richard Ríos, and that he is appreciated by Marco Silva. Any approach would depend on Ríos leaving.

There is no official offer for Ríos at present, but the hierarchy led by Rui Costa believe an opportunity to negotiate for the Colombia international could emerge before the window closes.

Benfica are prepared to invest about 20 million euros in Puerta, but first want to secure a higher fee from a Ríos sale. The target for the former Palmeiras midfielder’s exit is 35 to 40 million euros. No formal bids have arrived, although clubs such as Al Ittihad are following him.

Puerta, 23, previously attracted interest from Porto and is understood to view a move to Portugal positively. He has been sounded out by other clubs, including Premier League sides, and staying at Racing Santander is considered unlikely. The Spanish club have been promoted to La Liga this season, yet no agreement is in place.

Benfica aim to resolve Ríos’s situation before the deadline, then could move for the Racing Santander midfielder. Ríos has been a regular substitute under Marco Silva early in the season, and he continues to attract interest.

Source: Glorioso 1904

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”