Barcelona have been keeping an eye on a number of young prospects coming through the ranks in South America.
Recent reports suggested that the Blaugrana are leading the race to sign Velez Sarsfield midfield talent Alvaro Montoro.
While the Catalans may come out on top in the race for Montoro, they are set to face defeat in pursuit of another Argentine wonderkid.
Barcelona, Real Madrid target Prestianni on his way to Benfica
Indeed, as per SPORT, another of Velez Sarsfield’s teenage prodigy, Gianluca Prestianni, who was on the radars of both Barcelona and Real Madrid, is on his way to signing for SL Benfica.
Prestianni, 17, is held in very high regard in South America, with the young striker having already made his first-team breakthrough for his boyhood club.
The young forward has played 39 times for Velez, scoring three goals in the process.
Prestianni’s contract with the Argentine outfit expires in December 2024, but a move to Europe had been in the works for a while now.
It had been reported earlier this year that Barcelona would be ready to pay €3 million to sign Prestianni from Velez Sarsfield.
But the 17-year-old appears to be on his way to Benfica, with Velez Sarsfield president Fabián Berlanga confirming as much.
“There is an offer from Benfica and, of course, we are analysing it. We are not going to stop the sale of the player because we need the money,” Berlanga stated.
“He can’t leave until that date [January 31, when he turns 18] because he is a minor, but there is a pre-agreement. With the money obtained we have to cover some of the needs of the squad.”
