Darwin Nunez: Pundit issues verdict on Newcastle signing striker after £55m early talks
Newcastle will struggle to beat Arsenal in the race to sign Benfica striker Darwin Nunez this summer, according to Noel Whelan.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted a player of the 22-year-old’s calibre will “demand” Champions League football.
According to the Daily Express (23 March), Newcastle have already held background talks with Nunez’s representatives ahead of a big-money summer move but face competition from West Ham and Newcastle.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider that Benfica are holding out for £55m for their prize asset.
Nunez has notched 26 goals and two assists in 33 games for Benfica this term.
Whelan suggested Newcastle’s only hope of winning the race for the Uruguayan is offering him a bumper contract.
“I think for any top player scoring goals around Europe, these deals and these contracts hinge on Champions League football,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“That’s just how it works when you’re signing players at that top level.
“It’s no different for Arsenal. They’re interested, but whether or not they qualify for the Champions League will likely define the calibre of player they can bring in.
“For Newcastle, all they can offer is more money. It’s a choice between playing in London and potentially the Champions League, in a far more cosmopolitan city – and playing in the northeast.
“That’s no disrespect, but Newcastle will have to pay that extra money.
“For a player who has been knocking in goals as Nunez has, he would be demanding Champions League football.”
Newcastle’s current striking options are Callum Wilson, Dwight Gayle, and Chris Wood.
The Magpies sit 14th in the Premier League after lifting themselves out of relegation danger in recent months.
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