Bournemouth are in negotiations with Benfica over the signing of Portugal centre-back Antonio Silva, with the 22-year-old identified as a direct replacement for Marcos Senesi, who has departed for Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer.

Silva has established himself as a key figure at Benfica since forcing his way into the first team in 2022, earning appearances in the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and FIFA Club World Cup. He has also accumulated 20 international caps for Portugal, featuring in squads for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, though he was not selected by manager Roberto Martinez for this summer's tournament.

The Cherries view the Portugal international as a technically accomplished ball-playing defender — a profile that closely mirrors the role Senesi filled as a composed, possession-friendly centre-back. Benfica, however, have placed a temporary hold on the discussions while they focus on UEFA Europa League qualifying. The Portuguese club face St Gallen in Switzerland on 23 July, with the second leg scheduled a week later in Lisbon.

A summer of stability under Marco Rose

Should the deal progress, Silva would become Bournemouth's second acquisition of the summer. The club's first signing was striker Alvaro Rodriguez, who arrived from Elche in a deal worth up to £25.7 million.

New Bournemouth manager Marco Rose is overseeing what the club hopes will be a measured and steady transfer window — a contrast to last season, when the Cherries sold over £200 million worth of players. The club are firmly committed to keeping their most prized assets, with Alex Scott, Rayan, and Junior Kroupi all considered untouchable.