Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United transfer target Darwin Nunez has had an €80 million (£67m) price tag slapped on him by Benfica, with the 22-year-old striker attracting plenty of interest from around Europe with his performances this season.
The Uruguayan has scored 26 times in 33 games across all competitions this campaign and is the top scorer in the Primeira Liga with 20 goals so far, while he scored the only goal of the game on Wednesday as Benfica beat Ajax to progress to the Champions League quarter finals.
And according to Portuguese outlet Record, Benfica have increased Nunez’s value following his match winner against Ajax this week, with plenty of Europe’s heavyweight’s set to battle for his signature.
Nunez was linked with a move to the Premier League in the January transfer window, with Newcastle said to be interested in his services as they looked to splash the cash following their Saudi-led takeover in October, although nothing came of it.
And more recently, both Arsenal and Man United are said to have expressed their interest in the Uruguay international, as both sides desperately look for striking reinforcements ahead of next season, with Nunez the ideal candidate.
But the interest doesn’t stop there and sadly for the trio of English clubs, Nunez is wanted in mainland Europe by some of the world’s biggest clubs, as Barcelona and AC Milan are incredibly invested in the youngster’s progress this season.
Will Darwin Nunez be a Premier League player next season? And if so, who for? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Newcastle have had a long-term injury suffered to top goalscorer Callum Wilson this season, and despite £25m being splashed out on Chris Wood in January, he has managed just one goal in nine league appearances, and the Magpies will be looking to bolster their ranks in a summer splurge.
Arsenal lost Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January, while Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah have failed to agree new deals beyond this season, so money will certainly be spent on a striker in the summer, especially if the Gunners achieve Champions League football for next campaign.
As for Man Utd, they certainly need a fresh injection of firepower up front, with Cristiano Ronaldo struggling to do it all on his own this season, Edinson Cavani looking set to leave this summer, and Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial also having their futures in doubt.
But Nunez is a guaranteed goalscorer and while he has no proven pedigree at Premier League level, he has still been finding the net regularly for Benfica and has netted four goals in eight Champions League appearances this season.
And for that reason, his parent club are determined to cash in on their star asset for a high fee when clubs come calling this summer, with the €80m price tag set to test the financial commitment of a number of interested parties.
And of the three Premier League clubs interested, Man Utd and Newcastle will certainly be the favourites to go toe-to-toe for the striker due to their impressive financial backing and willingness to pay that sort of money for their top targets.
