Aston Villa scouting Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni ahead of January window

Aston Villa are reportedly keeping close tabs on Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni, according to Sport Witness, who cite Portuguese newspaper O Jogo. The 20-year-old Argentine is said to have drawn specific attention from the club's scouting network early in the current campaign.

O Jogo claims Villa representatives travelled to the Estádio do Dragão for Benfica's recent fixture against Porto with the primary aim of watching Prestianni. He provided an assist during that match, which Benfica lost 3-1 after Clement Lenglet was sent off early in the game.

The reports suggest Villa have tracked the winger since the start of the season. Across all competitions, he has recorded eight goals and three assists in twelve appearances for the Portuguese side.

Any pursuit would have to wait until the transfer window reopens on 1 January 2027, as Premier League clubs cannot register new signings while it remains shut. Sport Witness suggests Villa could look to add further wide options in January after bringing in Alejandro Garnacho from Chelsea during the summer.

Benfica are understood to hold a strong negotiating position. Prestianni's contract runs until June 2029 and includes a reported release clause of €100 million, with the Portuguese club already in discussions over an improved deal designed to deter suitors.

Villa are not alone in their reported interest. Sport Witness states that Atlético Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring the player, and scouts from several clubs are expected to attend Argentina's upcoming international fixtures to watch him in person.