Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United could hold talks with Jorge Mendes to understand what would be needed to sign Darwin Nunez from Benfica
According to Spanish outlet AS, Darwin Nunez could be on the move during the summer window, with a host of clubs across the continent vying for his signature. The report claims Premier League clubs Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal could hold talks with Jorge Mendes in the coming days to figure out the price to sign the striker.
Nunez’s price could be around €130 million, with Benfica prepared to accept bids around €100 million. which is considerably more than what recent reports have indicated. Newcastle United were reportedly looking to pay around €60 million, which may fall short of Benfica’s expectations.
Benfica want to emulate the sale of Joao Felix, who was sold for around €120 million a few years ago. They value Darwin Nunez on the same wavelength and could look at considerably more than what Atletico Madrid paid for the Portuguese sensation.
There are suggestions Nunez may have a €150 million release clause in his contract, which allows Benfica to demand slightly lower than that number. It certainly points at a fee closer to €130 million in the summer, as the interest in the Uruguayan increases with each passing week.
Premier League clubs Liverpool, Manchester United, and Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing the powerful forward. All those clubs are eager to land a centre-forward, although the final choice may depend on various factors. The English giants are hopeful of understanding the details of the transfer, and they are expected to hold talks with Nunez’s agent Jorge Mendes in the coming days.
Manchester United’s appointment of Erik ten Hag may accelerate their transfer business. Having got the man to replace Ralf Rangnick, the Red Devils are expected to focus on signing the right players as per the Dutchman’s specifications. A striker is mooted to be a priority signing in the next window, and Nunez is firmly on top of their list.
Financially, Manchester United can compete with some of the top club, although much will depend on their ability to move Cristiano Ronaldo away from the club. They may make room in the squad irrespective of the Portuguese striker’s departure, considering Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial may depart in June.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have fantastic options on their side, with Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and Robert Firmino able to play the centre-forward role. The Reds may dip into the market and target Nunez if one or two of their star forwards leave, particularly Mohamed Salah, who is yet to sign a new deal.
Arsenal might be the big headline club for Nunez. The Gunners have been keen on signing the Uruguayan since January and could make a big splash in the summer to land him. Arsenal are already linked with Gabriel Jesus and could yet buy another forward to shore up their attack.
While Jesus could be the replacement for Alexandre Lacazette, Nunez could represent the goalscoring machine Mikel Arteta wants in his squad. Furthermore, the Uruguayan striker will fit the fluid system at Arsenal, although it will be interesting to see if the Gunners can compete financially and €130 million to beat Manchester United and Liverpool to his signature.
