Darwin Nunez of Benfica has pleased Peter Crouch, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea or Manchester United this summer.
After a successful 2021-22 season, the 22-year-old forward is in high demand in Europe. Nunez has 32 goals in 37 outings for Benfica this season, across all competitions.
Crouch, a former England striker, lauded Nunez, saying the young forward possesses all of the characteristics necessary to become a top striker in Europe. Nunez scored twice in the loss against Liverpool in the quarterfinals (6-4 on aggregate).
Crouch was reported to have said (via The Chelsea Chronicle):
"Listen, there's been a lot of buzz about him for a while, and now he's here. This season, he's scored 31 goals (and counting), and he's doing it with aplomb. He's huge, muscular, and mobile. And he's had a lot of success scoring against big teams, particularly in the Champions League. When you score a lot of goals in Portugal, I believe the question is constantly raised: can you deliver against the top teams? In the Champions League, though, he has done so.
Darwin Nunez is expected to leave Benfica this summer, with Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United among the English clubs interested in signing him (according to the Metro). Nunez, though, will not be cheap, according to transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano. The Uruguayan forward is believed to have a price tag of around €80million according to the Italian journalist.
Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City and United all require new attackers in the summer transfer window. Inter Milan sold Romelu Lukaku to the Blues for a club-record sum of €113 million. However, after a strong start, the Belgian forward has faded and dropped down the club's pecking order. This season, he has 12 goals in 36 outings for the Blues and appears to have a strained relationship with boss Thomas Tuchel. Having an in-form number nine might relieve the pressure on Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, and Hakim Ziyech to score goals.
Edinson Cavani and Anthony Martial are both likely to leave Manchester United this summer. Cavani's contract is up in a few months, and Martial has stated his intention to go. Cavani's contract expires in a few months, and Martial has stated that he wants to leave the club permanently this summer. The Red Devils are already short-handed in the front, and more departures will make matters worse. At Old Trafford, Darwin Nunez might be a long-term substitute for the departed strikers. Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 37 years old, is United's main goal scorer at the moment. Marcus Rashford has only scored five goals this season, while Mason Greenwood has been suspended by the club.
The Cityzens have a rumoured interest in Erling Haaland but might focus their attention elsewhere as the Uruguayan may look like a cheaper but quality option. The club is said to be in dire need for a new striker and they find the Benfica talisman a viable option to lead their forward line.
Arsenal also missed out on Vlahovic in January after he joined Juventus but are prepared to scout the market for a new striker in the summer. It is believed that they have Napoli's Osimhen as well as Darwin Nunez on their radar. They are said to be prioritizing a new long-term striker to replace Aubameyang and Lacazette who is likely to leave the club after the season ends.
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