Arsenal are reportedly interested in Darwin Nunez, although the Benfica Uruguayan striker could cost upwards of €40 million, with other teams also keen.
According to Traspasos, Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Darwin Nunez as Mikel Arteta eyes a striker for the future. Portuguese giants Benfica are set to demand more than €40 million for the Uruguayan striker, with several clubs keen on the centre-forward.
Darwin Nunez has become one of Benfica’s most improved players this term. The 22-year-old forward has scored 11 goals and provided two assists in all competitions, grabbing the attention of clubs across Europe and England. The Uruguayan striker has been a consistent performer for the Portuguese giants, although soon, a move away from the club could be on the cards.
After a good breakthrough season last term, Nunez has been hanging around the radars of several clubs, with Atletico Madrid understandably keeping tabs on him in the summer. The Rojiblancos ended up signing Matheus Cunha and bringing back Antoine Griezmann, but they could be back in the hunt for the Uruguayan.
Arsenal are also in the chase as Mikel Arteta looks for a viable replacement for Alexandre Lacazette, who will leave the club at the end of the season. There is a slight chance for the Frenchman to depart in January, although the indications point towards a Bosman exit when the season concludes.
Several players are on Arsenal’s radar, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin linked with a £60 million move to the Emirates. Since last season, the 24-year-old has been in good form and might still be an achievable target. However, his price tag might become a problem for the Gunners, who could also look at cheaper alternatives.
Arsenal are also linked with other reliable strikers, such as Dusan Vlahovic, for whom the Gunners have reportedly made an improved offer recentely. The chase for the Serbian striker might prove tricky considering the widespread interest from other big clubs.
Hence, Arsenal are looking at alternative targets such as Nunez. The Uruguayan is young and showing good form in front of goal. The only visible problem could be not playing in the top five leagues of Europe. However, after recently signing Nuno Tavares from Benfica, the Gunners have had a pleasant experience bringing in players from the league.
As things stand, Benfica will not let him leave on the cheap and the Portuguese giants remain adamant over their €40 million asking prices. There could be plenty of clubs willing to pay that kind of fee for a promising forward of Nunez’s stature.
Arteta has shown a willingness to develop up and coming players and the progress of some of their recent signings have been very good. It remains to be seen if Arsenal will make a move as early as January, although it is likely the transfer battle for Nunez might resume in the summer.
