Manchester United have been linked with a summer move for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez, although the 22-year-old Uruguayan is not believed to be a primary target for the Red Devils.
Harry Kane has long been suggested as United’s main transfer target this summer, as per The Athletic, but that has not stopped speculation over Nunez moving to Old Trafford ahead of next season.
But, if one Premier League executive is to be believed, Nunez will only join a Champions League club this summer.
Nunez is in high demand after scoring 31 goals already this season, including the goal which Erik ten Hag’s Ajax out of the Champions League.
According to a recent report from The Sun, Nunez is wanted by at least five top Premier League clubs – including United, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Liverpool and Man City.
One Premier League executive told i that Nunez was “tailor-made” for English football, while dealing a potential blow to United’s chances of signing him.
“Whether you trawl through the data or watch him in the flesh, it’s pretty clear he’s an outstanding standing,” they said.
“In every metric he shapes up well. He’s good in the air, great decision maker, he’s mobile, tactically superb and embraces the fight. He has it all and if we could get him, we would. But he’ll be going to a Champions League club.”
They don’t name the executive responsible for these comments, but it still makes for interesting reading. It definitely comes from a club that has an interest in signing Nunez, although it’s unlikely to be one of the frontrunners.
Champions League football slipping away from Manchester United
This news could come as a blow for United but, as we highlighted above, the Reds are prioritising a move for Kane over Nunez.
It will be interesting to see, in the coming weeks, if anything changes in our search for a new striker. Erik ten Hag is likely to have a say on whoever we bring in.
Let us know in the comments who you would prefer up front next season?
