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Football London
Football London
Sport
Sam Hill

Arsenal given huge transfer boost for Cristiano Ronaldo replacement amid Portugal World Cup exit

Arsenal have been handed a huge transfer boost for Portuguese striker Goncalo Ramos ahead of January. The Benfica striker scored a hat-trick after replacing Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal starting lineup against Switzerland but failed to get on the scoresheet against Morocco.

Portugal have joined Brazil, the Netherlands and England in exiting the World Cup at the quarter-final stage in Qatar. Ramos' impressive display in the last 16 tie against Switzerland led to many fans urging Edu to secure a deal for the 21-year-old.

Ramos has scored 14 goals and provided a further six assists in 21 appearances for Benfica so far this season. The Portuguese outfit may be swamped with bids for their star striker after his impressive displays for his nation at the World Cup.

READ MORE: 'Kicked off the park' - Fans fume at Bukayo Saka referee and VAR decisions in England vs France

Newcastle United, Arsenal, Southampton, Manchester United and Leeds United are all said to be 'monitoring' the Benfica star, according to journalist Dean Jones, via GiveMeSport. Jones said: "While man-of-the-moment Goncalo Ramos looks a golden ticket that could move anywhere from Benfica – but he has a big release clause and holds more value than ever."

Ramos' contract is set to expire in 2026 meaning Benfica could demand a huge fee from any interested parties, similar to their sales for Joao Felix and Darwin Nunez in the past. Earlier this year football.london reported that the Gunners were interested in signing the Portugal international before they signed Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City in the summer for £45million.

Jesus' injury could see Arsenal look to sign a new striker in January with the Brazilian set to be sidelined until February with a knee injury he picked up during the World Cup with Brazil. Arteta will be hoping his side can continue where they left off prior to the World Cup as they look to battle City for the Premier League title and return to the UEFA Champions League next season.

READ NEXT:

Mikel Arteta's Gabriel Jesus injury admission reveals Arsenal plan as second string step up

Why Arsenal must take £65m January gamble by signing World Cup star to ease Gabriel Jesus blow

Goncalo Ramos hands Arsenal transfer lesson as Edu prepares pivotal January window masterplan

Why Arsenal and England hero Bukayo Saka should win 2022 Fans' Footballer of the Year award

Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium

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