Gianluca Prestianni to Aston Villa from Benfica
Verdict Delivered
This rumor DIED. It was dropped from the board after going quiet, last rated 7%.
| Move | Benfica → Villa |
| Outcome | Never happened |
| Rated at the end | 7% |
| Resolved | October 17th |
Villa's interest in the Benfica winger is firm and longstanding, A Bola reported on September 30th: they have monitored him since the start of the season alongside Spurs, and first tracked him at Vélez Sarsfield before his January 2024 move to Lisbon. O Jogo reported on September 26th that Villa, Spurs, and Atlético Madrid had scouts at Benfica's 3-1 defeat by Porto, where he set up Benfica's goal. The 20-year-old Argentine has eight goals and three assists this season. His contract runs to June 2029 with a €100m release clause, and Benfica are negotiating an extension to 2031 with a pay rise, according to A Bola. TEAMtalk reported on October 2nd that Villa are still among the Premier League clubs monitoring him and that Chelsea have joined the race. No approach or bid has been reported.
How the Story Moved
| Date | What changed | |
|---|---|---|
| September 26th | Tracked | Rumor opened on the board at 11% (linked) — source: O Jogo (Vítor Rodrigues), September 26th; Sport Witness (Sean Lunt), September 26th. Villa are among the clubs following the Benfica winger closely, O Jogo reported on September 26th, naming Spurs and Atlético Madrid alongside them. According to the paper, the three have watched the 20-year-old Argentine since the start of the season, had scouts at Benfica's 3-1 defeat by Porto at the Dragão, where he set up Benfica's goal, and are expected to be represented at Argentina's match against Bolivia on September 30th. He has eight goals and three assists this season. His contract runs to June 2029 with a €100m release clause, and Benfica president Rui Costa has opened talks on an improved, extended deal without reaching agreement. No approach or bid has been reported. |
| September 30th | Moved | Likelihood rose from 11% to 13% (linked). Villa's interest in the Benfica winger is firm and longstanding, A Bola reported on September 30th: they have monitored him since the start of the season alongside Spurs, and first tracked him at Vélez Sarsfield before his January 2024 move to Lisbon. O Jogo reported on September 26th that Villa, Spurs, and Atlético Madrid had scouts at Benfica's 3-1 defeat by Porto, where he set up Benfica's goal. The 20-year-old Argentine has eight goals and three assists this season. His contract runs to June 2029 with a €100m release clause, and Benfica are negotiating an extension to 2031 with a pay rise, according to A Bola. No approach or bid has been reported. |
| October 17th | Verdict | Rumor died — dropped from the board at 13% |
Timeline since the rumor joined the board.