AS Monaco could seal two deals regarding SL Benfica players this evening after holding talks with Ivan Cavaleiro and Helder Costa at the Hotel Metropole in Monaco.
Both Benfica players have been accompanied by their club’s President and Jorge Mendes is also part of a delegation of about ten individuals who have made the trip to the Principality this evening.
A fee agreement for Ivan Cavaleiro has already been agreed in principle and the player has finalised contractual details with Monaco. However, Jorge Mendes had the extra idea of including Helder Costa in a possible deal, a little known player who plied his trade on loan at Deportivo de la Coruna last season and had previously only represented the SL Benfica reserves.
Monaco are hesitating on closing these deals for several reasons. Walter Sabatini, AS Roma’s Sporting Director has also been in the Principality today with the aim of closing a deal for the transfer of Mattia Destro. The difficulty is that Sabatini somewhat surprised Monaco representatives today by confirming an interest in signing Belgian winger Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, who is in advanced negotiations with Atletico Madrid. Monaco planned to bring in Destro regardless of a Ferreira Carrasco departure and instead replace the latter with Cavaleiro. Talks with Atletico Madrid are believed to be very close to completion, but Sabatini wants to include YFC in a deal for Destro.
A puzzle for Monaco, the next hours could be vital. Monaco are clear: get Destro and Cavaleiro, send Yannick Ferreira Carrasco packing.
