Transfer Centre

Manchester United pushing to sign Darwin Nunez, Arnaut Danjuma?

By Darren Plant, Senior Reporter | 01 June 2022

Manchester United pushing to sign Nunez, Danjuma?

Manchester United are reportedly contemplating whether to sign each of Benfica forward Darwin Nunez and Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma.

Manchester United are reportedly considering separate transfer deals for Benfica forward Darwin Nunez and Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma.

Before his departure, interim manager Ralf Rangnick acknowledged that the Premier League giants would be overhauling their squad during the summer window.

As it stands, Erik ten Hag has overseen no incomings, but it was confirmed on Wednesday that Paul Pogba would be a high-profile name to depart on a free transfer, ending his six-year stay at Old Trafford.

However, now that the season has reached a conclusion, United are likely to be proactive, and reports persist that the Red Devils are intent on pursuing a deal for Nunez.

Earlier this week, it was claimed that United and Liverpool have held talks with the representatives of the Uruguay international, who scored 32 times in Primeria Liga and the Champions League this season.

A potential stumbling block with regards to United winning the race for the 22-year-old's is his desire to move to a club who have qualified for next season's Champions League.

Benfica's Darwin Nunez celebrates scoring their first goal on March 15, 2022 © Reuters

Nevertheless, according to talkSPORT, Nunez is keen to become a member of Ten Hag's plans at United, the forward aware that he will be well placed to earn regular first-team football.

Benfica are said to be ready to demand £68m for his signature, a price-tag which will not deter United as they bid to find a solution for a problem position.

Ten Hag has his sights set on bringing other fresh faces into his attack with at least one wide player expected to join the club over the coming weeks.

The Manchester Evening News claims that Danjuma is high up on United's shortlist after a hugely impressive first year at Villarreal.

On the back of leaving Bournemouth for La Liga, the Netherlands international contributed 16 goals and four assists during 34 games in Spain's top flight and the Champions League.

Villarreal's Arnaut Danjuma celebrates scoring their first goal against Bayern Munich on April 6, 2022 © Reuters

That level of return has naturally led to interest from elsewhere with clubs aware that the 25-year-old has a release clause present in his contract.

If reports are to be believed, Danjuma can be signed for €45m (£38.4m) during the upcoming transfer window, a fee which will almost certainly be activated by a number of clubs.

Like with Nunez, United will find themselves in direct competition with clubs which can offer Champions League football for the 2022-23 campaign.

The report adds that United were cautious over the player's ability last summer due to his standout performances only coming in the Championship.