Rijo Sam Daniel
Transfer News: Atletico Madrid likely to sign Darwin Nunez amidst Manchester United interest
According to The Telegraph (Subscription Required), Atletico Madrid are likely to secure the signature of Benfica star Darwin Nunez amidst interest from Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window. He is set to leave his club after this season which has alerted several clubs across Europe.
Nunez has raised his game once again this term after building on the promise he had shown in the previous campaign. That has attracted attention from clubs like Atletico, Man United and Arsenal as they look to make a move this summer. However, it is the Spanish club who are the frontrunners as they are touted as the most probable destination, having been a long term admirer of the striker.
The Gunners’ degree of interest in the Uruguayan is tame compared to the Red Devils, but both clubs need to achieve Champions League qualification if they stand a chance to sign him. The Portuguese side want to sell him before the summer transfer window and would demand at least £60million in transfer fees.
Man Utd handed ultimatum
The Champions League requirement is not surprising, to say the least, as it is normal for top players to want to play at the highest level of competition. Ralf Rangnick’s side are certainly some way off from ensuring that they would achieve a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.
However, we can turn things around if we can go on a great run in the remainder of this campaign. We must do our best to achieve that target, as the lack of Champions League football may see us lose out on top targets like Nunez moving forward as well.
Mikel Arteta’s side are currently the favourites to finish in the top four places in the Premier League, but fortunately for us, their interest in the 22-year-old is not that strong right now. Atleti are also in a stern battle in La Liga, but they are also in the Champions League spots at this moment. That is problematic for us if there are plans to bring in the attacker.
We also need to be wary of the possibility that more clubs would enter the fray for a top prospect like the South American. After all, Newcastle United and West Ham United had tried to sign him back in January, while Brighton and Hove Albion tried their cards in the previous summer.
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Manchester City could become an obstacle as the Uruguay international did catch their eye last season. They are looking to bring in a striker just like Newcastle and West Ham, so we need to be on our toes at all times. Man City’s primary target is still Erling Haaland, but they could always move for Nunez if they fail to sign their top option.
We are hopeful that the Red Devils can achieve Champions League football, although there needs to be a turnaround in performances as soon as possible. Whether that will happen or not will only be known in due time.
