Arsenal Will Have To Pay €150m For This Liga Portugal Forward: What Should Be Arteta’s Play Here?

In a recent report, The Express mentioned that Arsenal will have to pay €150m for Benfica forward Darwin Nunez. It is believed that the Gunners and Tottenham Hotspur are eager to land the Uruguayan forward but could find it difficult to sign him on the cheap this summer.

Nunez’s Excellent Goal-Scoring Record In Portuguese Football

The Artigas-born talent is enjoying a sensational campaign in Portuguese football after putting in a series of match-winning displays as the spearhead of Benfica’s attack. Nunez has been involved in 33 matches for the Portuguese giants this season, netting 26 goals and providing two assists in the process across all competitions.

The 22-year-old has proven himself to be a productive presence in the final third as he is averaging 2.8 shots, 1.0 key passes and 1.5 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Liga Portugal. However, he needs to improve his link-up play in the attacking end of the field based on his pass completion rate of 64.6% in the Portuguese top-flight (stats via whoscored).

What Should Be Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta’s Play Here With Regards To Nunez?

Nunez is a gifted centre-forward who has led the line well for Benfica this season. He has established himself as a prolific goal-getter in Portuguese football and has also chipped in by picking up some important assists for his team.

However, the Uruguayan sensation has to figure out a way to improve his link-up play if he intends to become a world-class player in his position someday.

We can expect Nunez to add a lot of goals to Mikel Arteta‘s attack. However, there are some concerns over whether the player would be able to make a smooth transition to life in English football if Arsenal can somehow find a way to get a deal done for him this summer.

However, paying €150m for Nunez seems unrealistic for the North London outfit, so Arteta would have no choice but to opt for one of his other targets if Benfica refuse to lower their hefty asking price for the talented forward.