Bournemouth have entered talks with Benfica over a deal for Portugal defender Antonio Silva, with the 22-year-old earmarked as the replacement for Marcos Senesi after the Argentine left on a free transfer to join Tottenham Hotspur. Silva, regarded as one of Europe's most promising young centre-backs, has been a regular for Benfica since breaking into the first team in 2022, featuring in the Champions League, Europa League and Club World Cup. However, the Portuguese club have paused further progression in the negotiations as they focus on Europa League qualifying — they face St Gallen in Switzerland on 23 July, with the return leg a week later in Lisbon.
Silva has 20 caps for Portugal and was part of the squads for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, but Roberto Martinez did not select him for this summer's tournament. Bournemouth view Silva as a ball-playing centre-back to fill the void left by Senesi, and he would become the club's second signing of the summer after striker Alvaro Rodriguez arrived from Elche in a deal worth up to £25.7m.
“Bournemouth are in talks to sign Benfica and Portugal defender Antonio Silva as a replacement for Marcos Senesi.”
The Cherries are aiming for a period of stability under new manager Marco Rose after selling more than £200m worth of players last year. They are determined to resist offers for three key players: Alex Scott, Rayan and Junior Kroupi.