Benfica striker Jonas is desperate for Nicolas Gaitan not to leave the club this summer, feeling that if the Argentine did then he would be deprived of a regular source of assists.
The future of Gaitan at the Estadio da Luz is up in the air amid consistent links with Manchester United, links which appear only set to increase in the light of the Red Devils being poised to sell Angel di Maria to Paris Saint-Germain.
Jonas, who scored 31 goals in all competitions for Benfica last term and has himself attracted interest this summer, has been a big beneficiary of Gaitan's creative talents.
And he does not want that to be broken by Gaitan moving on.
Jonas told Portuguese sports daily Record: "He is a very great player and everyone knows the quality that Nico has.
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"He has been at Benfica for many years, knows every corner of the club and is happy.
"We know there are clubs that are interested in signing him but, for me in particular, I would love it if he stays because he provides a lot of assists. Not just for me, but also for Lima.
"He is a player who gives a lot to the team with his determination and quality", Jonas added.
Gaitan registered 16 assists for Benfica last season as the Portuguese giants marched to the Primeira Liga title, helping Jonas record a prolific season in the process.
The winger has a release clause in his contract set at the €35m mark, meaning an anxious wait for Benfica throughout the summer transfer window.
