Arsenal want 22-year-old who's cheaper than Vlahovic and outscoring him

Arsenal have a lot of work to do this summer in terms of bolstering their attacking ranks.

The Gunners parted company with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January, leaving just two senior strikers on their books.

In addition, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are out of contract at the end of the season.

Therefore, it’s important that Arsenal get at least one truly world class centre-forward to the Emirates in summer.

According to Calciomercato, the Gunners have set their sights on one such player – Benfica’s Darwin Nunez.

The outlet claims Arsenal are one of those clubs who are ‘very attentive’ to the 22-year-old.

However, the Gunners face stiff competition if they are to land Nunez this summer.

Calciomercato claims Arsenal are up against fellow Premier League sides Manchester United, Newcastle and West Ham.

Arsenal would also be vying against Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan and AC Milan.

Benfica reportedly want up to 65m euros (£54m) for Nunez.

Arsenal eyeing Nunez – how he’s faring this season

Nunez became Benfica’s club-record signing in 2020when the Portuguese outfit spent £20.5m (Goal.com) to land his signature.

The 22-year-old had previously shone at Almeria, scoring 16 goals and claiming two assists from 30 Spanish second-tier games.

And prior to that, Nunez came through the ranks at Penarol, where he won the Uruguayan league title in 2018.

Admittedly, the striker struggled a little in his maiden season in Portugal amid injury and illness issues.

He got 14 goals from 44 appearances, including nine in the Primeira Liga – way below his high standards.

That said, Nunez did also register 12 assists in all competitions.

This season, he is now on top form once again, with a staggering 25 goals and two assists from 30 games.

A 6ft 2in powerhouse with a powerful right foot, “menacingly incalculable” movement and killer instincts on the pitch, he’s a star in the making.

And not only is his reported £54m price tag £12m cheaper than Dusan Vlahovic, but he’s also got one more goal than him at present.