Recent reports from 90Min state that Manchester United are keen on signing Benfica striker Darwin Nunez in the upcoming transfer window as Ralf Rangnick looks set to add to his attacking options.
‘90min can confirm that Manchester United have been paying particularly close attention to the player in the last six weeks, watching him on more than half-a-dozen times.’ – The report read.
Although the 22-year-old forward has a £100m release clause in his contract, it is believed that an offer in the region of £65m is enough to secure his services.
“The Premier League is where the most interest is coming from, and Nunez has a real desire to play in England, no doubt,” the source confirmed.
“He has also seen just how well Luis Diaz has performed and settled into life, but also the clubs have seen that and they believe Nunez could be just as good if not better.”
Nunez’s Rise To Fame
Having come through the ranks at Uruguayan club Penarol, Nunez signed for UD Almeria in August 2019. However, a year later, he signed for Portugal giants Benfica for a club-record fee of €24 million (£21.8 million).
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With 14 goals and 12 assists, it’d be an understatement to say that the Uruguay international had an extraordinary debut season with the Eagles. Even this term, he has managed to score twenty-four goals in thirty-one appearances across all competitions.
The 22-year-old striker has managed to put some awe-inspiring numbers on the board this season – averaging 2.8 shots, one key pass, 1.5 dribbles and 0.5 long balls per ninety minutes in the Liga NOS. Furthermore, with an average WhoScored rating of 7.39, he has established himself as one of the best players in Portugal’s top-flight football.
Should Rangnick Go All In?
Marcus Rashford has been in terrible form over the past few months, whereas it’s highly likely that Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard will depart the club in the summer. Juan Mata’s contract expires at the end of the season, while Mason Greenwood remains suspended until further notice after being arrested on suspicion of rape and assault.
Given the circumstances, Manchester United need some fresh recruitments in the attacking department if they intend to strengthen the present squad – and Nunez fits the bill perfectly. At 22, he has emerged as one of Europe’s top strikers and will add much-needed depth to the United squad. Hence, Rangnick should try and get this deal over the line in the coming months.
“Darwin is ready to play in any team on the globe,” his agent told FC Inter News last year.
“Various top-level teams have contacted us, but for the moment the head is on continuing and growing with Benfica and with the Uruguayan national team: this is how important things will come.”
(Stats from WhoScored)
