Brighton ‘make enquiry’ over £35m-rated Benfica striker
Brighton have approached Benfica over the availability of 22-year-old striker Darwin Nunez, according to reports.
The player came through the ranks at Uruguayan side Penarol before securing a move to Almeria in August 2019.
After bagging 16 goals in 30 games in the Spanish second division, Nunez earned a £21million transfer to Benfica last year.
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The Uruguayan international could now move to England as the Daily Mail claims that Brighton have enquired about his signature.
The Seagulls are looking to bolster their forward line following a poor season in front of goal in 2020/21.
Graham Potter’s side have a habit of making good chances but squandering them at the vital moment.
Their top goalscorer last term was Neal Maupay with eight in all competitions, while Danny Welbeck was just behind him on six.
Signing Nunez would give Potter another option up front. It should also push Maupay and Welbeck to perform better, knowing that their place in the team is under threat from a top young talent.
However, Brighton will have to pay a significant sum to land the attacking starlet.
Benfica forked out a club-record fee when they signed him from Almeria and will be looking to make a profit.
Recent reports have placed his transfer value at £35m. That means the Seagulls would have to sell a first-team star, such as Yves Bissouma, to have a good chance of landing Nunez.
The report also provides an update on Brighton’s pursuit of Odsonne Edouard.
Club chiefs are monitoring his situation and could submit a bid if their move for Nunez fails.
They will have to put in some serious work to convince Edouard. The Frenchman bagged 22 goals in all competitions last season and is looking for a major move to show his talent on the big stage.
It’s believed that he wants to feature in the Champions League or Europa League, which would put Brighton out of contention.
Edouard was heavily linked with Arsenal last summer but an official offer never materialised.
The Gunners are keeping tabs on Chelsea man Tammy Abraham instead.
He is close to leaving Stamford Bridge as Thomas Tuchel cannot offer him regular game time in the Premier League.
