Arsenal are reportedly ready to battle competitors for Darwin Nunez in the summer, with Napoli, one of the clubs keen on signing the 22-year-old Uruguayan striker.
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal are in the battle for Darwin Nunez, with Napoli also understood to be in the chase for the Benfica striker. The 22-year-old Uruguayan international will be high in demand after the current season, following impressive performances in Portugal.
The striker market in the summer is already heating up before the window opens. Several top clubs across the continent are looking to procure a new forward to lead the charge for them, and there might only be a few quality options available in the close season.
Arsenal, in particular, are looking for at least one new striker, although Mikel Arteta could decide on signing another one if the circumstances require such an action. The Gunners are expected to feature in Europe next season and may be left with no recognised strikers when the current campaign ends.
Having allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to leave in January, Arsenal could see Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah depart as free agents in June. While the club have planned talks with the Frenchman over a new deal, Arteta will undoubtedly need a new forward to lead his young team.
The Gunners are interested in Darwin Nunez, among other players. The Uruguayan seems to fit the profile of a striker needed by Arteta, and hence the club could be willing to pay big to secure his signature. Benfica are expected to cash in, with a fee worth around £60 million considered enough for the 22-year-old South American striker.
Other teams are also vying for Nunez’s signature, and a battle for the forward could ensue in the summer transfer window. Napoli are one of those clubs eyeing the 22-year-old South American striker, as they might need a new reinforcement next summer.
Their star man, Victor Osimhen, remains linked with Arsenal, while there could be interest from other top clubs as well. However, if the Nigerian departs in the summer, Napoli would like Nunez as his replacement, and the Serie A side would be willing to pay the required price to make it happen.
However, it is understood that Nunez could be keen on coming to the Premier League and hence offers from England could be evaluated by the Benfica star. The Portuguese club won’t stand in the way if their demands are met.
If Arsenal qualify for the Champions League next season, their chances of signing Nunez will increase. The Gunners have a young squad and a brilliant project under Arteta, which will certainly attract many young prospects worldwide to join them, although Serie A giants Napoli might have a say in the matters.