Multiple Teams Out To Beat Arsenal For Benfica Striker’s Signature

Arsenal reportedly has plans to sign Darwin Nunez of S.L. Benfica this summer, a move to fill up one of the gaps in their rotation.

But it appears getting the Uruguayan striker to move to the Emirates Stadium will not be easy.

According to a report from The Athletic, Arsenal will have to contend with several other teams to get their hands on Nunez.

The 22-year-old footballer is considered one of the hot commodities right now in the European market, especially after his huge performances over in Portugal.

Hence, it comes as no surprise that other teams have been mentioned to be interested in getting the services of the Uruguayan player.

Among the teams allegedly lining up to get a chance at Nunez to include Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Chelsea.

So far, Nunez has scored 31 goals in 36 games across all competitions.

Aside from the teams already mentioned, Newcastle United is another team reportedly keeping tabs on the situation of Nunez.

One derivative in successfully signing Nunez would be money. He holds a £127 million ($165 million) release clause in his contract, a sum that most interested clubs are allegedly willing to shell out.

After missing out on Dusan Vlahovic, the Gunners need to be more careful to commit the same blunder with Nunez.

It will be recalled that back in January, the Gunners missed out on their chance at the Serbian player who ended up joining Juventus instead.

Right now, Manchester United is reportedly in the lead in the race for Nunez.

According to transfer expert and reporter Nicolo Schira, the Red Devils are already in discussions with his agent Jorge Mendes.

"Manchester United are in pole to sign Darwin Nunez from Benfica in the transfers window. Talks [are] ongoing with his new agent Jorge Mendes for a five-year contract. Manchester United is preparing the first official bid to Benfica," Schira tweeted.

It appears that Benfica will likely settle for the team that pitches the best offer.

Benfica boss Nelson Verissimo said in a report from the Mirror that he hopes to at least get near the fee of £113 million ($147 million), which Atletico Madrid paid for Joao Felix in 2019.