Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Benfica striker Darwin Nunez in the summer (Photo by Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)(Image: Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Arsenal handed major Darwin Nunez transfer boost amid Erling Haaland revelation

Arsenal reportedly met with the agents of Benfica frontman Darwin Nunez but have been ruled out of the race to sign Erling Haaland by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano

by · football.london

Arsenal are not in the running to sign Borussia Dortmund starlet Erling Haaland, according to recent reports. The Gunners are in need of at least one centre-forward this summer after allowing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to join Barcelona during the January transfer window, whilst Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette are both into the final four months of their respective contracts with the club.

football.londonunderstands that the north London outfit could target two frontmen this summer, with Jonathan David and Alexander Isak two of the names on their shortlist.

Now, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has ruled Mikel Arteta's side out of the running for the aforementioned Haaland before confirming that both David and Benfica frontman Darwin Nunez are of interest to technical director Edu. Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, Romano said: "I see some Arsenal fans asking about Erling Haaland but guys, no.

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"Erling Haaland is not a realistic possibility for this summer for Arsenal. But they are exploring the market for many strikers. We know that in January they explored the possibility for Jonathan David from Lille but it was impossible in January. Let's see in the summer what happens. We know many, top top clubs want Jonathan David from Lille.

"Another player, Darwin Nunez. Important goal against Ajax in Champions League. Important striker, he has scored a lot of goals, he has this kind of mentality from Uruguay, he is a fighter and a very good player.

"Arsenal also had contacts with his agent in January so let's see what happens because also West Ham wanted him. He added: "Darwin Nunez could be one of the possibilities together with Jonathan David. Arsenal are in the process but they will take their time." David has consistently been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium over the last few years whilst reports that the club are keen on Nunez are much more recent.

According to Record, via our sister title Manchester Evening News, the Uruguayan international has changed his agent in recent times as he would like to push for a move away from Benfica in the summer window, with the talented youngster said to be interested in playing for a Champions League team.

Arsenal currently sit fourth in the Premier League table, three points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, who have played one more match than their local rivals, with the Gunners desperate to end their five-year UEFA Champions League hiatus - something that would evidently help them to persuade the likes of Nunez to join the club this summer.