Darwin Nunez’s proposed move to Liverpool depicts a wildly inflated striker market

Darwin Nunez is an excellent footballer and one of the most promising forwards in the sport. I have no doubts that he’ll enjoy a long, prosperous career at the highest level.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp caught a glimpse of the powerful Nunez first-hand earlier this year, saying that the 22-year-old was a “top, top boy”.

“He played in front of me, with his tough battles with Ibou Konate,” the German boss added. “Physically strong, quick. It’s a big career ahead of him.”

Nunez’s two strikes against Klopp’s Reds in Benfica’s Champions League quarter-final tie came amid a breakout campaign for the 22-year-old. While his team disappointed on the domestic front, Nunez emerged as a one-man attack as he carried the Portuguese giants with his 34 goals in all competitions.

Arsenal will have to shop in a wildly inflated striker market this summer

The young forward is a brilliant fit for Liverpool. He’s a versatile and relentless outlet who has drawn comparisons to Edinson Cavani (not just because he’s Uruguayan and looks a little bit like him). He’ll undoubtedly prosper at Anfield, but the Reds are being forced to pay around €100m for his services.

Despite Nunez’s talent, which is raw, and his potential to thrive under Klopp in a high-octane environment, that’s a vast sum. But, considering the price tags that are being thrown around for various other striker options this summer, perhaps it’s not an unreasonable fee.

Arsenal, who must add a #9 to their ranks in the upcoming transfer window, will have to deal with a wildly inflated striker market.

The COVID pandemic was thought to grind said inflation to a halt, but the sheer financial might of Europe’s footballing elite means that transfer fees have continued to climb at a linear rate. There’s been no sign of stagnation. Last summer, we saw Chelsea and Manchester City pay £100m for Romelu Lukaku and Jack Grealish respectively. Money is quite literally an object for these folk.

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Fortunately, the Gunners only need to bring in one striker this summer with Eddie Nketiah agreeing to a lucrative long-term extension in north London. Gabriel Jesus is said to be the club’s priority, but some reports suggest that City want €60m for the Brazilian’s services. That’s the release clause they paid to bring the generational Erling Braut Haaland to Manchester.

While I’m an advocate of Jesus, €60m for a player that has failed to reach 15 Premier League goals in a single season is remarkable. Arsenal need a bonafide goalscorer, and the club should seriously consider their pursuit of the versatile forward if the Cityzens refuse to budge from that valuation.

No matter what, though, Arsenal will be forced to splurge much of their summer kitty if they’re to sign a desirable #9. Victor Osimhen and Tammy Abraham are valued close to €100m by their respective Italian clubs, while Sassuolo – who have bent over for Juventus in the past – will be well within their right to demand top dollar for Gianluca Scamacca in the context of the current market.

Thus, the Gunners are going to have to make a serious splash in the striker market if they’re to build on last season’s distinct progression. But, as long as they put the ball in the back of the net at a frequent-enough rate, the large fee the club spent to bring them to the Emirates will be swiftly forgotten.