It goes without saying Arsenal need a striker this summer.
With Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette out of contract, and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang culled, the Gunners will have virtually no experienced number nines by June.
However, speculation is gathering with regards to Darwin Nunez.
Arsenal are reportedly keen on the red-hot Benfica hitman, who has 31 goals from 36 appearances across all competitions this season.
Record in Portugal reported last month that the North Londoners have already opened talks.
And now Fabrizio Romano has an uplifting development for the Emirates Stadium outfit.
According to the Italian journalist, Nunez is definitely leaving Benfica this summer – and for a fee in the region of around £66 million.
He said: “Darwin Núñez will leave Benfica in the summer, fee around €80m. His new agent will now meet with many top clubs to explore opportunities.”
It remains to be seen if Arsenal are genuinely in the running, but it certainly makes sense.
As mentioned, Mikel Arteta will have no strikers except Folarin Balogun on the books in a couple of months.
However, Nunez could be beyond the Gunners’ grasp – particularly if he dazzles tonight.
The Uruguay international is squaring off against Liverpool in a Champions League quarter-final tonight and impressing on a stage like this – and he already scored in the first leg – could make him unattainable for Arsenal.
If Arteta’s side finish outside of the top four, and thus condemn themselves to a Europa League spot, convincing Nunez to come to North London is a hard sell.
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