Arsenal target earns glowing review – “Two metres tall and hits 36 km/h”

Arsenal’s interest in Palmeiras defender Luis Benedetti is not new, and the story around the 19-year-old has been building steadily in recent months.

As we’ve covered, the Premier League side have already tracked the centre-back and seen approaches around €10m (£8.6m) go nowhere. Palmeiras have held firm on a higher valuation, closer to €20m (£17.2m).

More recently, there have even been indications the Brazilian club could sanction a sale – although potentially after a loan spell to increase his minutes.

That broader context now makes fresh comments from inside Palmeiras’ academy even more relevant.

Former coach details why clubs are interested

Speaking to PodPorco, former Palmeiras U20 manager Lucas Andrade gave a detailed assessment of Luis Benedetti, explaining why the defender has attracted attention from Europe.

“Benedetti is a spectacular centre-back, maybe a complete player, and I’m saying this having worked with players like Vitor Reis. But Benedetti is a guy who is 2 metres tall and reaches 36 km/h.”

If you don’t recall, Vitor Reis is a former Palmeiras centre-back bought by Manchester City in 2025. He is corrently on loan at Girona and is seen as a future elite defender.

Andrade then addressed the challenges of breaking through at senior level:

“It’s incredible, but it’s not easy to be a centre-back in the first team. The fans naturally want a ready defender. They don’t want to hear about potential – they want to see the team win and the defender perform.”

Andrade also suggested patience will be key in the player’s development:

“So sometimes we need to take one step back to take two forward. I think Benedetti is another player where, if we get the chance to see him here, people will really enjoy what he can do.”

He even pointed towards a likely future at the top of the European game:

“And if it’s not here, we will watch him a lot in the Premier League and the Champions League. He’s already had many offers to leave, but he has the club’s trust.”

Finally, Andrade placed the situation in the context of Palmeiras’ competitive demands:

“These are processes. As Abel says, he is required to win. Nobody cares how many young players you use. He has to win the Libertadores, the league, the cup. The demand is maximum.”

What this means for Arsenal

These comments reinforce what Arsenal’s scouting already suggests. Luis Benedetti clearly has a rare physical profile and strong internal backing at Palmeiras. However, he is still not a guaranteed starter at senior level.

That helps explain the recent shift in Brazil towards a possible loan. More consistent minutes, potentially at Athletico, could bridge the gap between potential and readiness.

From Arsenal’s perspective, waiting may be the sensible route. A more developed Benedetti, with regular top-flight experience, would represent a far lower-risk step into Premier League football.