Barcelona reportedly view Darwin Nunez as one of the alternatives for Erling Haaland, whose recruitment could be complicated this summer.
According to a report by Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are keeping their options open in case they fail to beat the competition for Erling Haaland in the summer transfer window. To that end, 21-year-old Uruguayan striker Darwin Nunez has emerged as one of the options on their radar as part of a contingency plan for Haaland.
Darwin Nunez joined Benfica from Almeria last summer and took little time to make an impression in Portugal, although he has slowed down a tad bit in recent times. Nevertheless, the 21-year-old has a decent record of 12 goals and 9 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions and has drawn comparisons with former Barcelona striker Luis Suarez.
The player’s progress over the last couple of years has alerted a number of big-name suitors, who have scouted him extensively. In particular, Barcelona have been linked with Nunez for quite some time now and seem to be seriously considering a move for him heading into the summer transfer window.
Barcelona are intent on signing a striker in the summer transfer window after having not replaced Suarez last year, when he joined rivals Atletico Madrid. To that end, the Blaugrana have seemingly identified Erling Haaland as their priority, although they face stiff competition from rivals Real Madrid, who recently held talks with Mino Raiola.
However, in addition to Barcelona and Real Madrid, Raiola also opened discussions with a number of Premier League clubs, meaning amid intense competition for the Norwegian striker, the Catalan giants do need to keep their options open, in case they do not manage to land their priority target.
Where should Erling Haaland end up this summer? | THT rates transfer destinations
To that end, Barcelona do seem to have a contingency plan in place, with the likes of Harry Kane, Alexander Isak, Paulo Dybala, Sergio Aguero, Memphis Depay, Romelu Lukaku and Lautaro Martinez being among the backup options on their shortlist. In addition, Nunez is also on their radar over a possible summer move.
The report claims that Nunez has already been sounded out over a possible move, which could suggest that he is high on Barcelona’s wishlist. However, it remains to be seen if the La Liga heavyweights launch the offensive for the 21-year-old striker or if they succeed in securing the services of Haaland instead.
