Arsenal target, Darwin Nunez, has ditched his agent to sign for Jorge Mendes as he heads towards a summer move.

LISBON, PORTUGAL - OCTOBER 20: Darwin Nunez of Benfica reacts after a missed opportunity during the UEFA Champions League group E match between SL Benfica and Bayern Muenchen at Estadio da Luz on October 20, 2021 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL – OCTOBER 20: Darwin Nunez of Benfica reacts after a missed opportunity during the UEFA Champions League group E match between SL Benfica and Bayern Muenchen at Estadio da Luz on October 20, 2021 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

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.”

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.

LISBON, PORTUGAL - SEPTEMBER 29: Darwin Nunez of SL Benfica celebrates scoring his sides third goal during the UEFA Champions League group E match between SL Benfica and FC Barcelona at Estadio da Luz on September 29, 2021 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL: Darwin Nunez of SL Benfica celebrates scoring his side’s third goal during the UEFA Champions League group E match between SL Benfica and FC Barcelona at Estadio da Luz on September 29, 2021. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

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.

Benfica's Uruguayan forward Darwin Nunez controls the ball during the Portuguese League football match between Famalicao and Benfica at the Famalicao Municipal Stadium in Vila Nova de Famalicao on September 18, 2020. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)
Benfica’s Uruguayan forward Darwin Nunez controls the ball during the Portuguese League football match between Famalicao and Benfica at the Famalicao Municipal Stadium in Vila Nova de Famalicao on September 18, 2020. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

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.