Arsenal appear to be pushing hard for the services of Benfica forward Darwin Nunez this summer, and for good reason. The Uruguayan striker has plundered 28 goals so far this term and would provide an excellent solution to the Gunners’ upcoming problem in attack.
Both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah look set to depart at the end of their respective contracts, leaving a huge gap up-front. After his stunning performances for the Portuguese giants, Nunez looks just the man to pick up the mantle.
It will not be easy for the Gunners to secure his services though, with a number of prominent European clubs seemingly chasing his services. According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, Premier League rivals Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are interested, whilst the likes of Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan are all admirers.
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Whilst it remains to be seen whether the Gunners will be able to secure his services - Benfica slapping a €80m (£67m) price-tag on the forward - they do have a secret weapon already at the Emirates Stadium. That man is Portuguese left-back Nuno Tavares.
The 22-year-old only joined Arsenal last summer as he made the switch from Benfica - ironically a move that Nunez himself could potentially be making in just a few months’ time. Despite his initial promise, the young defender has come under fire, with his performances not up to scratch.
He was substituted during the first-half of Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest, with his next start also ending in disaster as he was hooked at half-time in the Gunners’ defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace. Since then, there has been debate over his long-term suitability at the Emirates Stadium, especially following the long-term injury sustained by fellow left-back Kieran Tierney.
Whether Tavares forges himself a future in north London, the Gunners could call upon his services this summer if not on the pitch. Having shared the Benfica dressing room with Nunez over the past couple of seasons, he could well have a word in the Uruguayan’s ear regarding a potential move to the Emirates Stadium.
After all, the Portuguese waxed lyrical about the Gunners after he sealed his own switch. Speaking last summer after he was confirmed as an Arsenal player, he said: "I'm so excited because it’s a big club and for me as a young guy it is a pleasure to be here. It’s good for my career. To begin in Arsenal is a big club and I’m very happy."
