Buenos Aires, December 15 (NA) – Benfica of Portugal has rejected the initial loan offer from River Plate for Argentine forward Gianluca Prestianni, but the 'Millionaires' are planning to make a new proposal to secure the player's services. According to information obtained from the Argentine News Agency, the Board of Directors of River, led by Núñez, anticipated a possible refusal from the Portuguese club and was already prepared to send a representative to Europe to attempt to finalize the signing of the Vélez-born player. In turn, the 19-year-old albiceleste attacker, who made a splash at the U-20 World Cup, would have forcefully expressed his intentions to wear the red-and-white jersey, thereby pressuring the Portuguese club to facilitate his move to Argentina. In line with this, River Plate president Stefano Di Carlo plans to meet the demands of Marcelo Gallardo for the upcoming transfer market, provided the club's finances allow, and will therefore make a new offer that is closer to the expectations of the team led by Jose Mourinho. Without knowledge of the official amounts of the first proposal, the 'Millionaires' will seek to negotiate for a loan with a 50% purchase option for the player's pass. Although Benfica may not be convinced about lending him to Argentine football, the player's insistence on joining Núñez could be key to the Europeans giving in. Prestianni has played 16 matches in the current season, scoring two goals and providing two assists, but has only started twice, making it clear he is not a regular in the Portuguese manager's system. Furthermore, the albiceleste attacker, born in Ciudadela, has in mind to secure continuity and show a high level of play, considering the possibility of being included in the squad of Lionel Scaloni, the head coach of the Argentine national team, for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
