Aston Villa May Target Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni Amid Contract Stalemate
Aston Villa has emerged as a potential suitor for Benfica’s winger Gianluca Prestianni, following a reported delay in the player’s contract renewal. According to Sport Witness, citing Portuguese outlet A Bola, the 20-year-old Argentine has accepted all financial terms, but he insists on receiving his signing bonus immediately upon signing in order to support his family. Benfica prefers to defer this payment until the end of the season for accounting purposes.
The situation is particularly awkward for Benfica, as prior reports suggested a new contract extending to 2031 with a salary increase that would more than double his current earnings. Coach Marco Silva has attempted to reassure fans, and with nine goals and six assists this season from his favored left-wing position, Prestianni has provided him with good reason to do so.
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Sport Witness reports that this contract delay could open the door for financially capable clubs to consider a move in January, mentioning Aston Villa, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle, and Brighton. His current deal features a €100m (about £85m) release clause, which a renewal would reset.
Assessing Prestianni’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Prestianni is primarily right-footed, allowing him to cut inside from the left towards goal or create goal-scoring opportunities. He has generated seven significant chances in his first nine league appearances. Although he has scored six league goals, his effectiveness in front of goal may be overstated, as FotMob credits him with only 2.38 expected goals as of late October. He ranks low in defensive contributions compared to similar wingers, and last season, he struggled with consistency, netting just three league goals.
Should Aston Villa Pursue Prestianni?
LISBON, PORTUGAL – OCTOBER 15: Gianluca Prestianni of SL Benfica in action during the UEFA Europa League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 match between SL Benfica and Celtic FC at Estadio da Luz on October 15, 2026 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
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Aston Villa should indeed consider Prestianni, but with a clear limit on the transfer price. Villa previously sold Morgan Rogers to Chelsea for £117m and has since lacked creativity, making a young winger like Prestianni an attractive option to fill this gap. Given that Villa’s strategy revolves around selling high and buying young, a 20-year-old whose market value is on the rise aligns with their model.
However, challenges remain. With Alejandro Garnacho already taking the left flank and Ibrahim Mbaye and Alysson available on the right, the expense of acquiring Prestianni may not be justified if he is merely competing for playing time rather than addressing a specific need. Head coach Unai Emery requires his wingers to engage in pressing and defensive duties, an area where Prestianni shows limitations. Moreover, Villa’s pressing concern lies in their defense, as demonstrated by their 4-0 loss at Brighton at the start of the season.
Investing close to his release clause for a player with just three league goals last year could be seen as imprudent. If Benfica accepts a fee near the £50m Villa received for Ollie Watkins, it would be prudent for Emery to proceed. Anything beyond that would likely be better allocated towards strengthening the defensive lineup.
