Arsenal could finally get their hands on a world-class striker this summer. The gunners experienced multiple failed attempts to land one in the January transfer market. However, things look brighter for the gunners as they have a chance to snap up one of the hot prospects across Europe. Benfica striker Darwin Nunez is now heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer.
Nunez is making all the exciting headlines currently with his form. The Benfica man is on a scoring spree, and has attracted extensive interest from some of the Europe’s top clubs. Arsenal have also joined the race and are reportedly favourites as well. Portuguese newspaper Record have claimed that the gunners are vigorously pursuing the Uruguayan.
Arsenal lost their leading striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January for free. The gunners were expected to sign Aubameyang’s replacement, but were unsuccessful. Their prime target, Dusan Vlahovich joined Juventus leaving Arsenal with no time to sign a striker. Moreover, Arteta’s current options, Lacazette and Nketiah are also expected to leave the club in the summer after their contracts expire. As a result, Arsenal are now accelerating the process to sign the Benfica talent.
Arsenal look avoid a repeat of Vlahovich situation with Benfica man
Nunez seems to enjoy scoring freely at the moment. The striker has racked up 26 goals in just 33 appearances for Benfica so far across all competitions. The 22-year-old has proved his mettle in the Champions League as well, scoring 4 in 8 games. His brilliant brace against FC Barcelona and the lone strike against Ajax took Benfica to the quarte-finals of the Champions League.
The Arsenal target is not messing around in the league either for Benfica. Nunez has scored 20 and assisted 2 in his 22 league games this season. As is evident, the striker is clocking a goal involvement per game in the league.
Nunez ticks all the boxes of Arteta’s demands from his future striker. The youngster’s pace, dribbling, finishing, work-rate and threat creation are all exceptional. The Uruguayan marks an impressive 1.5 dribbles and 2.8 shots per games. However, his passing needs improvement, but Arteta’s style of play is all about that and the youngster will eventually master the quality as well.
Arsenal missed out on Vlahovich, but look determined not to let Nunez slip from their hands. Per Report, the gunners have already begun the negotiations with the striker’s representatives. Given his exploits, Benfica are not ready to lose Nunez for cheap, and have demanded a massive £68 million from Arsenal.
However, Arsenal are in a confident position to qualify for the Champions League. The North Londoners won’t mind splashing £68 million on a goal-poacher such as the Benfica man. At just 22, Darwin Nunez can dominate and eventually lead the Arsenal attack for years to come. He looks ready to leave Benfica, and Arsenal making it to the Champions league will do the rest for the gunners.
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