Reported Arsenal and Manchester City target Darwin Nunez has the ability to play for one of the biggest clubs in European football, former Uruguay international Diego Forlan told Record.
Both Arsenal and City will be in the market for a new number nine this summer.
Despite a post-Christmas resurgence, the sun appears to be setting on the Alexandre Lacazette era at the Emirates. The soon-to-be 30-year-old Frenchman is out of contract in 2022, with sporting director Edu scouring the market for a younger model.
Over at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola’s relentless City side are steamrollering all before them, the unexpected goal-scoring exploits of Phil Foden, Ilkay Gundogan and co relegating Sergio Aguero from main man to a supporting role.
Guardiola is not averse to a classic centre-forward, however, with FourFourTwo reporting that 6ft 2ins Nunez, an old-school number nine blessed with explosive pace and an insatiable instinct for goals, is in his sights.
The 21-year-old is also a target for Arsenal, just six months after he joined Benfica from Spanish second-tier side Almeira for a club-record £22 million.
Forlan is confident that, if Nunez can continue to progress in Portugal, it won’t be long before he is following in the footsteps of fellow Uruguayan goal-machines Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani.
“He is a young player and has a big future. He is at a great European club in Benfica. Obviously, if he continues with to produce these numbers and these performances, he can make the leap to a great club, in another league,” said Forlan, the former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid ace.
“Darwin is a player who has been playing for the national team recently. He scored goals and has played well when he is called by Mister (Oscar) Tabarez.”
The so-called ‘new Cavani’ already has 12 goals and nine assists for Benfica.
According to the always-ouspoken Benfica boss Jorge Jesus, Nunez will one day replace £113 million Joao Felix as the most expensive export in the club’s history.
“All this decision-making ability, finishing and speed…He was Benfica’s most expensive purchase and he will be the most expensive sale. He will be a world-class player,” Jesus said.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
