English top clubs chase Benfica winger Prestianni after breakthrough
While Gianluca Prestianni received little playing time at the start of his Benfica career, he collected 33 appearances last season under José Mourinho and is now considered one of the most exciting wingers in Europe – a status that has already put several English Premier League clubs on alert.
Premier League interest
According to Teamtalk, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Brighton have signaled their interest in the 20‑year‑old Argentine. Benfica Lisbon paid nine million euros for him two years ago and could now achieve a multiple of that amount. Under the nickname “The Special One”, José Mourinho backed the young winger.
His contract with Benfica runs until the summer of 2029, giving the club a strong position in negotiations. A possible move to England would not only advance his personal development, but also strengthen the growing presence of Argentine talent in the Premier League.
Prestianni made his international debut for the Albiceleste in November 2025 against Angola and recently featured for about an hour against Bolivia. Despite an early slump in Portugal, he has established himself as a regular starter for Benfica this season.
In the Champions League he came under criticism for an allegedly racist remark towards Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior. Prestianni admitted to having insulted the Brazilian, but no evidence could be provided that the comments were of a racist nature.
The contrast between his early stagnation and the current international interest highlights how quickly a player’s profile can change when he receives the necessary playing time under an experienced coach like José Mourinho. A possible transfer would therefore mark the next milestone in his already rapid development.