Benfica attacking midfielder Nicolas Gaitan has knocked back a proposal from Dubai-based side Al Ahli, which would have seen him earn more than €3.5m per season.

The Argentine has long been linked with a move to Manchester United, but it is Al Ahli who have been the most serious about grabbing his signature so far this summer.




Club officials recently arrived in Lisbon armed with a €35m bid to activate Gaitan's release clause at the Estadio da Luz.

As such they were entitled to speak to Gaitan and held talks with the Argentine. According to Portuguese sports daily A Bola, Gaitan was tempted by the big-money proposal from Al Ahli.
 

 

But he has opted to reject it as he waits to see what other offers drop onto his table this summer.

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In addition to Manchester United, Gaitan has fielded interest from Atletico Madrid and Valencia, and he does not want to agree to move to Al Ahli only to potentially then miss out on a move to a big European league.

Benfica are happy for Gaitan to go if his €35m release clause is met, but want a deal to be done sooner rather than later.