According to FourFourTwo, Arsenal are closely following Benfica striker Darwin Núñez, who is also attracting interest from Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Manchester City.
FourFourTwo state that the Uruguay international is being lined up by Real Madrid to replace Luka Jović, although due to the other interest in his services, they’ll have to move quickly.
Núñez is far from a household name in football, although the 21-year-old will surely become one soon if he keeps his current form up.
After signing for Benfica from Almeria in a £21.7 million deal over the summer, the Artigas-born marksman has shone.
Núñez has scored five goals in 11 games for Benfica so far, while also recording six assists – that equals a goal involvement every game.
If you’re wondering what type of centre-forward the Uruguayan is, then former Napoli player Mariano Bogliacino’s comments to Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli might be of interest.
The 40-year-old said: ‘Núñez exploded two years ago in Uruguay. He is a fast forward, very strong. He has physical strength and instinct, like Cavani. He knows how to play in the penalty area.’
Long-haired, powerful in the air and a clinical finisher, it’s no wonder that Bogliacino has decided to liken Núñez to the Manchester United hitman.
If Mikel Arteta is to bring the Benfica No.9 to the Emirates, he’ll need to act quickly and decisively given the stature of clubs competing for his signature.
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