Premier League clubs are reportedly concerned that Darwin Nunez could end up following a similar career path to Nicolas Pepe, who's not had the easiest time at Arsenal.
As per The Express, Liverpool appear to be Nunez's favoured destination, but the Reds are said to be put off by Benfica's £85million asking price. If they were to sign the Uruguayan for that fee, he would become their most expensive signing ever, having previously spent £75million on Virgil van Dijk back in 2018.
Nunez had been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal over the past few months, but interest has seemingly cooled in recent weeks. Rather ironically, recruitment officials are now reportedly worried that £85million may be too much for a player like Nunez.
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In fact, one official, speaking to i, said that clubs could be 'grossly overpaying' for him like Arsenal did with Pepe. “His profile is perfect for the Premier League and he has Champions League experience but there are a few aspects of his game that need honing – and the biggest question mark is whether he’ll be able to cope with the intensity of a Premier League season,” they said.
“The sort of money being asked for him is huge and no club wants to do what Arsenal did with Nicolas Pepe, grossly overpaying for someone because of the hype around the number of clubs interested in him.”
Arsenal paid a club-record £72million for Pepe back in 2019, but after three years of inconsistent performances at the Emirates, it appears as though he's no longer in Mikel Arteta's long-term plans. Thus, his time in north London could come to an end this summer.
Whether Nunez's career trajectory ends up being similar to Pepe's is in the Uruguayan's hands, but the 22-year-old will be hoping that he can hit the ground running at wherever his next club is.
