Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal and Manchester United target set to sign with new agent close to Jorge Mendes
According to Fabrizio Romano (as relayed by the Daily Mail), Manchester United and Arsenal target Darwin Nunez will part ways with his current agent Edgardo Lasalvia to sign with a close associate of super-agent Jorge Mendes.
The 22-year-old Benfica forward is reportedly one of European football's most wanted players after enjoying a hugely successful current season at Estadio Da Luz, scoring 28 goals in 35 games.
Nunez continued his stellar goalscoring exploits in his side's 3-1 Champions League quarter-final first leg defeat to Liverpool. Later, the Uruguayan confirmed via Twitter that he would be leaving his current agent Lasalvia.
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.
It appears, however, that Lasalvia is keen to keep his star client, with Sport in Spain reporting that the agent 'does not accept the break'. The report also claimed that Lasalvia agreed to a large commission with Benfica when Nunez was sold. Additionally, former club America are also due 20% of any profit that is made on the Uruguayan.
Sport's report also states that the player has improved his personal security and that of his family home in Uruguay. But in the tweet, he stated that he has not received any personal threats.
Mendes is one of world football's most famous superagents, and his clients include stellar names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and Joao Felix. The Benfica starlet's imminent switch suggests may be on the move in the summer.
That's 22-year-old Darwin Nunez's 28th goal of the season 🤯 https://t.co/7idCwMRDFM
Darwin Nunez linked with numerous clubs, including Manchester United and Arsenal
According to the aforementioned Fabrizio Romano tweet, Benfica turned down a €45 million offer for Nunez from West Ham United in January. But it is likely the Eagles will soon receive a flood of offers for the exceptional young forward.
The aforementioned Daily Mail report claims that Benfica want around €72 million for their talismanic forward, over three times what they paid to acquire him in 2020. It also claims that while Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal are all keen on signing Nunez, a transfer to Spain is more likely. Atletico Madrid and Barcelona are interested in bringing in the versatile Uruguayan, who can operate in numerous positions, including attacking midfield and left wing.
Manchester United are also interested in bringing in Spurs forward Harry Kane as part of a summer squad overhaul, as seen in another Daily Mail report. That move may however prove to be financially viable for the club, with the asking price for Nunez allegedly half of what the north London club want for Kane.
Arsenal are also in the market for a centre-forward with their current number nine Alexandre Lacazette out of contract in June. But the Gunners will need to be playing Champions League football next season to have a chance of securing the signature of one of Europe's hottest prospects.
35 games
▪️ 35 games
▪️ 28 goals
No U23 player in top-flight European football has scored more goals than Darwin Núñez this season.
Remember the name. 🙌 https://t.co/jjV7njbRLZ