Primera Liga side Benfica has shown interest in signing centre back, Lucas Martinez Quarta from River plate in Argentina.

According to reports from local news outlets in Portugal, Benfica has joined the recent number of clubs queuing for the signature of the 23-year,+old defender.

Martinez has been linked with moves to clubs across Europe with the likes of Inter Milan, West Ham, Valencia, and a host of others.

The young center back is a graduate of the famous River Plate Academy, which has seen the world witness players like Pablo Aimar, Gonzalo Higuain, and Javier Mascherano.

Martinez is currently tied to the Argentine club until the end of 2020/21 season with a buyout clause of €22m in his contract.

Reports emanating from Italy in recent days say that River Plate is willing to accept a fee lower than the release clause in the range of €15-18m euros for the defender.

Lucas made his debut for the Argentine national team on the 5th of September 2019 in a friendly game against Chile as he started and ended the whole game. His performance has been top-notch. His organization of the defense and ability to deal with opposition strikers made him a real deal in the game.

However, there have been no footballing activities across the globe as leagues across Europe has been put on hold due to the CORVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Players in some leagues have been told to take a pay cut to help their respective clubs continuing running the clubs.

It remains to be seen when the transfer market opens if Martinez will make a move down Portugal.

Written by: Olumide Akinnifesi