Arsenal have been handed a boost in their reported pursuit of Athletico Paranaense goalkeeper Bento, as one of their Premier League rivals has pulled out of the race for the Brazil international.
The 24-year-old recently took advantage of Alisson Becker and Ederson's injuries to win his first two senior caps for Brazil, starting in friendly matches with England and Spain last month.
Bento earned his belated Brazil debut on the back of a string of strong displays for Paranaense, whom he has kept 52 clean sheets in 151 matches for since coming through their youth academy.
The 6ft 3in stopper won the 2020-21 Copa Sudamericana with the Brazilian giants and already has seven clean sheets to his name from 14 games this term, conceding a mere seven goals in the process.
Bento remains under contract with Paranaense until December 2026, but the South American outfit could be fighting a losing battle to retain his services if Premier League teams or other European heavyweights come calling.
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Chelsea 'withdraw interest in Bento'
Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been tipped to make a move for Bento, the latter yet to settle on a number one during Mauricio Pochettino's reign, with Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez sharing the gloves.
Petrovic has overtaken Sanchez in the pecking order in recent months, but it is not clear if the Blues view the Serbian as a long-term solution, while Kepa Arrizabalaga could also be on the move this summer after his Real Madrid loan spell.
However, La Gazzetta dello Sport claims that Chelsea are not one of the teams actively pursuing the 24-year-old, who could be available for as little as €20m (£17.1m) in the upcoming market.
The Blues' withdrawal does not mean that Arsenal will enjoy a clear run at Bento's signature, though, as Serie A champions-elect Inter Milan have supposedly identified him as an ideal successor to Yann Sommer.
Furthermore, other unnamed Premier League sides and a couple of La Liga clubs are also casting a watchful eye over the Brazil international, who would likely replace Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal if he were to choose North London.
Ramsdale heading for Arsenal exit door this summer
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Keeping the joint second-most amount of Premier League clean sheets last season was not enough for Ramsdale to retain his number one status under Mikel Arteta, who insisted on bringing David Raya to the club from Brentford on loan.
Despite a few shaky moments - leading to incessant questions on Arteta's decision to complicate an uncomplicated situation - Raya has justified his manager's bold call, keeping the most clean sheets in the current Premier League season and saving two penalties in the Gunners' Champions League last-16 win over Porto.
Raya's breakthrough has forced Ramsdale to settle for sparse minutes in cup ties and Premier League games against Brentford, which the Bees loanee is ineligible for, but a couple of howlers have overshadowed his brief appearances.
The England international did make amends for his error for Yoane Wissa's goal last month with two fine second-half saves in a 2-1 win, and he only signed a new long-term Arsenal deal towards the end of last season.
However, with Raya's move from Brentford set to be made permanent this summer, and Ramsdale at increasing risk of losing his place in the England squad with every weekend sat on the bench, the 25-year-old's exit is surely only a matter of time.
Ben Knapton
