Chelsea will be hoping that they can use their strong history with Benfica as leverage in the race to sign Darwin Nunez. The 22-year-old, who has courted interest from a host of top-flight sides this season, warranted the attention following an impressive display against Liverpool.
The Uruguay international scored twice, won 15 duels, completed five take-ons and created two chances over two legs against Jurgen Klopp's side. Though Benfica soared out of the Champions League, Nunez passed his audition — think of it as when a boy band gets a resounding no from Simon Cowell on X Factor but then the lead singer with a man-bun is told to go solo.
Nunez, who sees his contract with the Portuguese side expire in 2025, has directly contributed towards 27 goals in 24 Liga Nos appearances this season. And, naturally, he's attracted interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, according to The Athletic.
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Arsenal are also tracking the striker ahead of a potential move, football.london understands. Gunners' technical director Edu is in contact with the representatives of Nunez and has shortlisted the forward as a possible summer signing.
While there seems to be strong competition to secure the Uruguayan's services at the end of the season, Thomas Tuchel's side have a sly £71million leverage over their London rivals. Chelsea have built a fairly strong relationship with the Portuguese giants in recent years.
Since the turn of the millennium, the Blues have spent approximately £78million on players from Benfica. Nemanja Matic, David Luiz, Ramires and Tiago Mendes have swapped Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica for Stamford Bridge; all of which, enjoyed considerable success in west London.
Arsenal only made their first purchase with the Eagles in the summer after signing Nuno Tavares for around £7million. Chelsea can look to use the £71million disparity to swing the transfer race in their favour.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Nunez is set to leave Benfica for around €80million (£67million) this summer. But, despite the wealth of interest, the striker has insisted that he's focused finishing the season before coming to any conclusions.
In a 16-word message, he said: "Until the season is over, I won’t say anything, and I’ll leave everything for this shirt. My job is to continue like this, to take advantage of this luck that is happening to me.
"Last year I didn’t play at all, but this year I’m having an incredible season. I have to continue like this, and there is also a lot of merit from my colleagues."
