Arsenal have reportedly identified a new transfer target for the upcoming summer window.
The Gunners absolutely need to bolster their striking options the minute this season finishes.
Come June, Folarin Balogun might be Arsenal’s only recognised striker given that Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are both out of contract, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been ousted.
Dusan Vlahovic was heavily linked with a transfer to the Emirates Stadium during the January window, only for the former Fiorentina hitman to wind up joining Juventus instead.
However, the North Londoners have reportedly earmarked a striker who has even out-scored Vlahovic this season.
According to Calciomercato, Arsenal are among the many clubs interested in Benfica hitman Darwin Nunez, ahead of the summer window.
The report adds that the Uruguay international could fetch as much as £53 million.
This season, Darwin has netted 25 goals in all competitions – one more than Vlahovic has managed for Juve and Fiorentina combined [Transfermarkt].
Realistic target
It’s definitely a steep price but, honestly, Arsenal are desperate.
Unless they extend Lacazette’s contract, which seems unlikely considering that he’s only scored three Premier League goals this season, the Londoners will need several new centre-forwards once the window opens.
And although Darwin is only proven in Portugal at the moment, 25 goals by the age of 22 illustrates that he’s definitely worth taking a punt on.
So many of Arsenal’s signings under Mikel Arteta and Edu these days are under the age of 23, which adds further weight to the speculation that the duo could genuinely want the young South American at the Emirates.
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