Arsenal are in the market for at least one striker this summer, but Mikel Arteta’s interest in a transfer for Darwin Nunez of Benfica is ‘far less advanced’ than from Manchester United.
That’s according to The Telegraph, who note the Gunners have so far only shown tentative interest in the 22-year-old. Even though 90min have claimed the Emirates Stadium side are among the Premier League outfits currently in talks with the Uruguayan’s representatives.
Arsenal are thought to have approached Nunez’s agent to discuss his interest in moving to England this year. The free-scoring centre-forward believes he is now ready to start a new adventure and the Premier League appeals. But Arteta has ground to make up, it appears.
Manchester United are very keen to prise Nunez from Benfica amid his 26 goal season for As Aguias in all competitions. His haul even includes four goals in eight Champions League appearances, with two against Barcelona and single hits against Bayern Munich and Ajax.
However, the Red Devils’ pursuit will hinge on Ralf Rangnick securing the Old Trafford side a Champions League spot. He is loath to leave the Estadio do Sport Lisboa e Benfica to join a club that is not competing in UEFA’s premier club competition after his lively campaign.
Benfica are also demanding at least £60m to sell the 6 ft 1 marksman, who has two goals in nine caps for Argentina. The Portuguese giants additionally want to sort Nunez’s future early. But Arsenal and Manchester United must first see where they finish the campaign.
Arsenal trail Man Utd in £60m Darwin Nunez race but Champions League spot is key
Arsenal and Manchester United will have a great chance to assess Nunez’s suitability for a transfer to the Premier League when Benfica face Liverpool. As Aguias host the Reds in the Champions League quarter-finals on April 5, before Nunez and co visit Anfield on the 13th.
Nunez will naturally be loath to give up top European action, even for a season, having hit home against Barcelona and Bayern Munich already. So, Arteta and Rangnick will have to ensure their sides have a seat at the table for next term to secure the forward’s signature.
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Arsenal have not qualified for the Champions League since 2015/16 when they ended the Premier League term second to Leicester. But the Gunners are in a prime position in fourth this season and have one game in hand over Tottenham in fifth and the Red Devils in sixth.
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