Sunday, 27th July, 2014
Monaco are closing the transfer net around Benfica midfielder Nicolas Gaitan, flashing the cash to ensure they win the race for the Argentine schemer.
Gaitan has also been interesting Liverpool this summer, but it appears Monaco have taken a decisive step towards securing the attack-minded midfielder's services.
According to Portuguese daily A Bola, Monaco have reached an agreement with Benfica on a deal for Gaitan, which will see the Primeira Liga champions pocket a fee of €35m.
The sum is €10m less than Gaitan's release clause, but still represents a substantial sale for Jorge Jesus' men.
Monaco recently banked a fee of between €75m and €80m from selling James Rodriguez to Real Madrid and Gaitan will be seen as a replacement of sorts at the Stade Louis II.
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The 26-year-old helped Benfica to a domestic treble last season, as the club collected the Primeira Liga, the Portuguese Cup and the Portuguese League Cup; they could not collect four trophies however, losing the Europa League final to Sevilla.
Gaitan, who has six Argentina caps to his name, joined Benfica in 2010.
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