Arsenal’s Darwin Nunez transfer stance revealed amid Man Utd interest

Arsenal are shopping for a striker this summer. In other news, water is wet and grass is green. Indeed, it is one of the more obvious points to make in regards to transfer news.

But who will they go for? Depending on which sources you trust, the list of targets could be in the double figures. It probably is, too, since Arsenal have to keep their options open amid any one deal being unattainable for whatever reason.

Darwin Nunez is one of the names in the frame, which will go for any European club on the continent searching for a striker as his numbers this season are too prolific to ignore.

Having scored 26 goals in 33 appearances for Benfica this season at just 22 years old, including three in the Champions League, his stock is at an all-time high. His time in Portugal looks destined to come to an end this summer.

Arsenal’s Darwin Nunez transfer stance revealed amid Manchester United and Atletico Madrid transfer interest in Benfica striker

As per the Telegraph’s Arsenal correspondent, Sam Dean, Newcastle, West Ham and Brighton have all registered their interest in the past, with Manchester United and Atletico Madrid among those pushing hard this summer. Arsenal also feature on that list, although their interest is considerably less advanced than the Red Devils’.

So, as it stands, it would appear that Nunez is someone the Gunners are keeping tabs on, but may not be completely won over just yet. Given his numbers this season, if they’re not pushing the boat out just yet, it’s hard to imagine what else the Uruguayan can do to truly convince them. Conversely, it may be that Arsenal are keeping their cards close to their chest.

In terms of his most likely destinations, a move to La Liga has the highest chance of materialising. Atletico Madrid hold strong interest, in a move that would cost any party in the region of £60m to secure. Having bought him for £20m as recent as 2020, Benfica look set to make a tidy profit.

For any club keeping a watchful eye, the unsurprising allure of Champions League football will be decisive. Atletico currently occupy the fourth and final spot in La Liga, yet are only four points clear of Real Betis, while Manchester United have serious ground to make on Arsenal in the Premier League.

Currently four points clear of United with a game in hand, it does appear as if a straight shootout between the two north London sides for fourth place. No Champions League would surely rule United out of the running, while their uncertain managerial situation won’t help their case either. However, it is United, so never say never.

It’s added that Benfica are eager to get Nunez’s future wrapped in quick time. They would like a conclusion as early as possible in the window so they can reinvest the £60m they’re after, which is something all parties would surely prefer also.

What this reinforces is the importance of finishing in the top four. Arsenal want to dine at the big table and having Champions League football to offer increases their budget and allows them to cast their net far and wide for the most elite talent around. It will be transformative for their future aspirations.

For now Nunez is certainly on their radar, they just might be keeping an open mind based on other targets and their chances of providing the holy grail of elite European competition.