Manchester United is reportedly offering two other players to Benfica as part of their efforts to sign Darwin Nunez.
After a fantastic season, the Uruguayan striker has established himself as one of Europe’s most wanted men. In just 38 games, he scored 32 goals and added four assists, including six goals in the Champions League.
That form has drew a lot of interest in the 22-year-old, with Manchester United appearing to be in the lead.
Erik ten Hag, for one, is desperate to score more goals this summer for his team. Cristiano Ronaldo is set to stay, but he will require additional offensive assistance. Only Bruno Fernandes (10) and the Portuguese veteran have scored more times this season.
As a result, Ten Hag must address the need to bolster their attack.
And it appears that United has moved quickly to begin talks with Nunez.
They made an initial offer of £81 million for Nunez, with £64 million up front and another £17 million in bonuses. As part of the deal, Manchester United also offered Benfica the chance to sign Andreas Perreira, an unwanted midfielder.
Benfica, on the other hand, has quickly rejected that proposal, as reported by the Portuguese newspaper Correio de Manha.
“Benfica have already told those responsible at United that the deal requires more money,” journalist Paulo Catarro told the newspaper.
“Ultimately a bonus package can be included but involving players such as Andreas Pereira would be difficult.”
Benfica is reportedly seeking around £8.5 million more for Nunez in order to maximize their profit from his sale, according to the newspaper.
The total cost of signing the striker would then be close to £90 million.
United, on the other hand, does not have an endless budget this summer. Ten Hag will have to be creative with his summer spending if the Champions League does not provide additional funds.
While Benfica and new coach Roger Schmidt are not interested in Perreira, they may consider other players as part of the deal.
That could be all the motivation Manchester United needs to complete the deal.
According to Terceiro Anel, Anthony Martial’s name has come up for discussion as part of the deal.
The France winger was on loan at Sevilla for the second half of the season, but he failed to impress. As a result, he’ll be back at Old Trafford this summer, though his future remains uncertain.
As a result, Benfica is reportedly interested in bringing Martial to the Portuguese capital. The idea of using him as a makeweight, on the other hand, does not appear to be one that appeals to him.
Undeterred, United is reportedly planning to offer unwanted defender Eric Bailly to Benfica as a backup option.
He has fallen down the Old Trafford pecking order and appears to be on his way out this summer.
