and have been given a major boost in their efforts to sign Darwin Nunez this summer after Newcastle United pulled out of a deal for the Benfica striker.
Nunez, 22, has become one of Europe’s hottest properties after scoring 25 goals for Benfica in Portugal’s top flight this term.
According to , Newcastle were hoping to sign the Uruguayan at the end of the season but will now end their interest in him as they believe he will move to a club qualified for the Champions League.
Both United and Arsenal are thought to be interested in Nunez with the two clubs desperately looking for a new striker.
The Gunners are still to replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who joined Barcelona in January and are set to lose Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette in the summer with both players’ contracts running out.
Meanwhile, United are on the lookout for an alternative to Cristiano Ronaldo with Edinson Cavani heading for the exit door at Old Trafford and Anthony Martial out-of-favour.
Nunez’s prolific form this season has captured attention from right across Europe.
Following a high scoring campaign at Almeria in Spain’s second division, Nunez was signed by Benfica in 2020 for a club record fee.
His first season in Portugal saw him score 14 times as he bedded into new surroundings, but this term Nunez has emerged as a star, bagging 33 goals in 38 appearances for Benfica.
Speaking after Liverpool’s Champions League quarter-final clash with Benfica earlier this month, Reds manager Jurgen Klopp tipped Nunez to have a successful career.
He said: ‘Really good, really good. He (Nunez) played pretty much in front of me, with his tough battles with Ibou Konate.
‘Physically strong, quick, was calm with his finish. If he stays healthy, it’s a big career ahead of him.’
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