Arsenal target, Darwin Nunez, has ditched his agent to sign for Jorge Mendes as he heads towards a summer move.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Darwin Nunez for a while now.
The 22-year-old Benfica striker has 28 goals, and three assists, in 35 games this season so you can see why so many clubs, including Arsenal, are interested in his signature.
According to a report, Nunez, who is not out of contract until 2025, has ditched his agent to sign with Jorge Mendes just a few months before a battle for his signature is expected to hot up.
Nunez tweeted, “I want to clarify that I will not renew my contract with my representative Edgardo Lasalvia. I also want to clarify that neither my family nor I have received any threats and we are fine.”
Quiero aclarar que no renovaré mi contrato con el que era mi representante Edgardo Lasalvia.
También quiero aclarar que ni mi familia ni yo hemos recibido ninguna amenaza y estamos bien.— Darwin Nuñez (@Darwinn99) April 7, 2022
Mendes and his agency, Gestifute, have been trying to get players into Arsenal for some time, including a host of Portuguese players from Wolves as well as their then manager, Nuno Espirito Santo, when Arsenal were looking to replace Unai Emery.
2 April 2022
Manchester United’s interest in Benfica striker Darwin Nunez is said to be more advanced than Arsenal’s at this stage, according to a report.
The Telegraph report that Arsenal’s interest in Darwin Nunez is understood to be far less advanced than Manchester United’s. Benfica are hoping to conclude negotiations over a potential summer departure early in the window, looking to receive at least £60m.
A move to Spain is currently the most likely scenario, with Atletico Madrid apparently the leading contender.
But one pivotal factor will be whether or not the three teams qualify for the Champions League. Nunez is keen to stay in the competition, so his decision will be influenced by which of the three qualify.
In the cases of Arsenal and Manchester United, it’s very likely only one of the two will make it – if Spurs don’t overtake them both. So the top-four race could end up defining which of the English candidates will remain in the running for Nunez.
Other Premier League clubs such as Newcastle United, West Ham United, and Brighton have all shown an interest in Nunez in the past, but it looks like he’s already out of their reach.
Ryan Taylor of the Daily Express recently reported that Nunez seemed to be working his way to the top of Arsenal’s summer centre-forward shortlist.
Portuguese outlet Record report that Edu Gaspar has already made first contact over Nunez, and that Arsenal are undertaking a charm offensive to convince the striker to join.
Nunez has scored 26 goals in 33 games this season, including the recent winner in their Champions League last-16 victory over Ajax. At 22 years old, there could be a lot more to come from him.