Benfica have signed Marcos Leonardo from Santos, following links between the player and Arsenal last month.

Benfica have confirmed the signing of Marcos Leonardo from Santos, putting an end to another Arsenal transfer rumour.

On January 5th, Benfica posted on their website that Leonardo had signed a five-and-a-half-year deal, committing his future to the club until 2029.

In December, Goal Brasil had reported that Santos were preparing to sell Leonardo in the January transfer window, and that Arsenal had already made enquiries over the striker.

Goal denied other December reports that the Gunners had submitted a bid, but they claimed it’s possible Arsenal would formalise their interest in January.

Santos had promised to negotiate Leonardo’s exit in the winter window, so a transfer appeared to be on the cards. The club had been relegated from the Brazilian top division, making a deal more likely.

So it proved, but not for Arsenal. Instead, Benfica have capitalised on Leonardo’s availability.

Arsenal were also linked with the same player over the summer, as the striker starred at the u20 World Cup playing alongside Marquinhos.

Leonardo scored five goals in five games at the tournament, and he managed 21 goals in 49 games for Santos in 2023.