Why Benedetti is on Arsenal and Barcelona’s radar
Benedetti has only just started to make waves at senior level with Palmeiras, but his technical quality, left-footed balance, and composure at centre-back have not gone unnoticed. Barcelona had him on their radar in the summer following Inigo Martinez’s surprise move to Al-Nassr, and they see Benedetti as a much younger player who can be developed into a regular starter at Camp Nou.
Arsenal, meanwhile, considered Benedetti earlier in the summer while planning for a potential departure of Jakub Kiwior. With Kiwior now gone to FC Porto and Piero Hincapie arriving from Bayer Leverkusen, the Gunners may still look at Benedetti as a future investment rather than an immediate starter.
Palmeiras face big Luiz Benedetti decision
Palmeiras will soon be under pressure, as both Arsenal and Barcelona are expected to test their resolve with concrete bids in January. The Brazilian club knows they could command a healthy fee for the teenager, but the reported valuation suggests he could still be available at a “reasonable” figure compared to similar profiles in Europe.
For Arsenal, Benedetti’s arrival would continue Andrea Berta’s drive to stockpile young, left-footed defenders who fit Mikel Arteta’s tactical system. For Barcelona, this is about rebuilding their backline with affordable but talented prospects who can grow into stars. Either way, the 19-year-old appears destined for Europe sooner rather than later, and January could be the month that kick-starts his big move.
