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HE'S DAR MAN
Arsenal step up £50m Darwin Nunez transfer hunt as Mikel Arteta looks at Benfica striker, 22, as Lacazette replacement
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ARSENAL have reportedly begun a "charm offensive" in their bid to sign Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.
Nunez, 22, was believed to be on Arsenal's radar in January with the club making initial contact with the player's agent.
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The Gunners are increasing their contact with Benfica and are beginning to talk up a move to North London, according to .
And Arsenal are reportedly a few steps ahead of Newcastle and West Ham in the race to sign Nunez.
Both clubs were said to be interested in the Uruguayan in January but were put off by his asking price.
At one point Toon were prepared to pay £50million for the forward but given interest in Nunez is only increasing his asking price is now believed to be in the region of £67m.
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According to Fabrizio Romano West Ham could launch another bid for the Benfica star this summer, although Arsenal could have an advantage over the Hammers as they may be able to offer Nunez Champions League football.
Romano said on last week: “Arsenal also had some contacts with his [Nunez’s] agent in January. So let’s see what happens because also West Ham wanted him and also West Ham will go for a top striker in the summer.
“So will be summer of strikers and Darwin Nunez could be one of the possibilities together with Jonathan David.
"Arsenal are in the process, but they will take their time and they hope to secure Champions League football sport that is key to understand what kind of striker they will sign.”
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Nunez scored the winner against Ajax to send Benfica through to the Champions League quarter-final last week.
That was his fourth goal in eight games in the competition this season, which likely appeals to Arsenal chiefs Edu and Mikel Arteta, who have identified Nunez as a replacement for Alexandre Lacazette.
And after missing out on Dusan Vlahovic in January it is not surprising the club is already making moves to land Nunez, with no shortage of clubs sniffing around the striker.
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