Newcastle United are ramping up their interest in signing Benfica striker Darwin Nunez as they look to fend off Premier League interest.
That’s according to iNews, who claim that Newcastle’s plan to sign Nunez is being ‘accelerated’ and he appears to be a top target for the Magpies this summer.
Newcastle were allegedly quoted £50million for Nunez in January but are now likely to be required to pay £60million to secure the Uruguayan.
Nunez, 22, has been ridiculous this season, smashing 25 goals and two assists in 32 appearances for Benfica.
Primarily a physical centre forward, Nunez even has the athletic ability to play as a left-sided winger when needed.
That kind of versatility is bound to make Nunez a very appealing target for many clubs this summer, and that’s exactly why Newcastle want him.
Portuguese newspaper Record reported in February that Newcastle were prepared to just keep bidding more and more for Nunez, possibly up to £67million.
That certainly marries up with this latest report, with Newcastle seemingly prepared to throw money at Benfica and striker Nunez.
The problem for Newcastle is that, when a young goal machine arrives on the scene, many other clubs want to sign him.
West Ham United launched a late January bid for Nunez whilst Tottenham Hotspur are also interested according to the Daily Mail.
The London Evening Standard reported just last week that Arsenal are looking towards Nunez as a possible summer signing.
That means Newcastle face a major battle to secure Nunez’s signing, but they will ultimately have the spending power of PIF behind them.
Newcastle will now be able to compete for signings like Nunez, going up against the so-called Premier League elite for major additions.
Nunez fits the bill for Newcastle, and winning this race would send a major statement to the rest of the Premier League and even Europe given Nunez’s enormous potential.
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