Ruben Dias plays down Premier League switch: ‘My head is not on Benfica exit’

Benfica centre-back Ruben Dias has cooled interest on a move to the Premier League, suggesting his head is not focused on an exit from the Estadio da Luz. 

The likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and more recently Wolverhampton Wanderers, have all been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old defender.

Could Dias leave Benfica? Five things to know…

• The highly sought-after defender has attracted interest from across the continent.
• Arsenal have reportedly been keeping tabs on Dias with Laurent Koscielny intent on leaving north London.
• There are suggestions Dias has a release clause in the region of £54m.
• Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could move for the Portuguese star should a move for Harry Maguire fail to materialise.
• Despite the transfer speculation, Dias has reaffirmed his immediate commitment to Benfica.

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Having played a pivotal role in the heart of the Eagle’s title-winning Primeira Liga campaign last season, the 11-time capped Portugal international is hot property at the minute.

With less than a month before the Premier League transfer window slams shut, there could be a scramble for Dias’ signature depending on activity elsewhere, but the rising phenom has swatted away suggestions his mind is on a move away from Lisbon.

He told reporters: “My head is not there [Benfica exit]. I’m here to do the pre-season, I do not have to think about anything else.”

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Could Arsenal or Man Utd move?

Both clubs are in the market for central defenders this summer, with Solskjaer and Unai Emery desperate to bolster their ranks following some less than convincing displays at the back last term.

The Gunners look set to secure Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba’s signature but the belief is that the 18-year-old will be loaned back to the French club.

With Laurent Koscielny likely to leave this summer, Emery will need to recruit at least one more defender, and Dias could be the man he turns to, though the Spaniard may be priced out of the race for his services.

Elsewhere the Red Devils are trying to prise Harry Maguire away from Leicester City, but again, the asking price appears to be a stumbling block at present.

Should a move fail to transpire, the Norwegian may be tempted to turn his attention to Benfica, whom Man Utd signed Victor Lindelof from two years ago.