Darwin Nunez to Arsenal transfer: £67m price, Man Utd competition, Erling Haaland alternative

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Benfica goal-getter Darwin Nunez but face considerable competition from elsewhere in the Premier League

Arsenal’s need for a striker heading into next season is certainly well-broadcast. Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah appear set to wave goodbye, leaving a huge vacancy at the top end of the pitch.

A number of names have already been linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium ahead of the summer transfer window opening. A new contender seemingly on the list is Benfica star Darwin Nunez.

The 22-year-old Uruguayan has certainly caught the eye this season having plundered 26 goals in all competitions. He has a number of clubs now chasing his services, including Arsenal.

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With all of that being said, football.london takes a look at the latest developments on any potential switch to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal's 'charm offensive'

With Edu clearly intensifying his search for a new frontman, the Gunners have reportedly taken the first steps to persuading Nunez to join Mikel Arteta's project in north London.

As per Record, the Gunners are on the ‘charm offensive’ to convince the Benfica man to join the club. The report adds that Arsenal are ‘a few steps above’ the likes of West Ham United and Newcastle United in pursuit of the 22-year-old. Whether Arsenal sign Nunez is a different question, but if reports are to be believed, the early signs are indeed encouraging.

Haaland alternative

Signing Erling Haaland was always going to be difficult for Arsenal, who are still yet to qualify for the Champions League. However, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has said that there are plenty of alternatives to the Norwegian, including Nunez.

"Erling Haaland is not a realistic possibility for this summer for Arsenal," he said. "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."

Read more here.

Arsenal join Manchester United in transfer race

Having been impressed for his goal-scoring displays for Benfica, Arsenal are just the latest in a long line of clubs interested in making a move for Nunez as soon as the January transfer window opens. As well as the Gunners, Premier League rivals Manchester United, West Ham and Newcastle are also reportedly keeping tabs on his future.

That is according to CalcioMercato, who also suggest that Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are also interested in swooping for the forward. Elsewhere, AC Milan also appear to be contenders as they attempt to find a potential replacement for former Gunners’ striker Olivier Giroud.

£67m price tag revealed

Whilst there appears to be a lengthy list of admirers, it does not appear that a deal for Nunez will be cheap in the slightest. According to Portuguese outlet Record, Benfica have slapped a £67m price tag on the striker in an effort to retain his services.

It of course remains to be seen whether the Gunners would be willing to pay a fee that high considering that he would become the club’s second-most expensive signing of all time after Nicolas Pepe.

No offers lodged

Considering the fee that Benfica are demanding for Nunez, it is not a total surprise to learn that no offers matching that have yet been lodged. As per Matteo Moretto, official bids to Benfica have not yet been forthcoming.

Considering the interest in his services, that could potentially change as the summer transfer window creeps into view.