Premier League high-flyers West Ham United have failed with a bid for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, as reported by Sky Sports (deadline day live blog, 11.18am).
It is over a year now since Sebastien Haller brought an end to his miserable spell at the London Stadium. 12 months on, West Ham still haven’t replaced him.
Though that’s not for a lack of trying. You’d need a book the size of the King James Bible if you wanted to jot down all the strikers who have been linked with a move to the London Stadium since January 2021.
Just this month, West Ham have reportedly made approaches for Arthur Cabral and Hugo Ekitike.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton and Christian Benteke of Crystal Palace are also understood to have admirers at the capital club.
According to Sky, however, Darwin Nunez has emerged as West Ham’s top target on deadline day. But the chances of the Uruguay international posing for photos in claret-and-blue before tonight’s 11pm deadline look somewhat slim.
Will West Ham miss out on Darwin Nunez?
West Ham have failed with an opening bid for the former Almeria talisman. It is not certain how much the Hammers are willing to pay for Nunez but one would imagine it would be a lot less than the £70 million suggested (The Guardian, 9.24am).
West Ham are showing plenty of ambition this month. They recently submitted a pair of £50 million bids for Leeds United pair Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips (Guardian).
£70 million, however, feels like a fee beyond David Moyes’ reach.
“Darwin is ready to play for any team on the globe. (He and Edinson Cavani) have a lot of things in common,” Nunez’s agent said last year.
“Darwin is destined for great things. Various top-level teams have contacted us.”
Nunez, in his second season at Benfica, has scored 20 goals in 25 games.
“All this decision-making ability, finishing and speed…,” adds former coach Jorge Jesus.
“He was Benfica’s most expensive purchase. And, when there is no pandemic, he will be our most expensive sale. He will be a world-class player.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
