According to a breaking news report by Sky Sports, Benfica have rejected West Ham’s bid for striker Darwin Nunez.
The Lowdown: Desperate for a striker
Michail Antonio is the only recognised senior centre-forward at David Moyes’ disposal, and as a result, he is the club’s top scorer in the Premier League this season, having netted eight times.
Despite this, the Jamaica international has looked tired at points throughout the campaign, sometimes lacking that clinical edge in front of goal. With a lengthy injury history, calls have been made for the club to bring in another striker to bolster their options in the attacking third.
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The Latest: Benfica reject West Ham’s Nunez bid
According to a breaking news report on Sky Sports’s Transfer Centre, Benfica have rejected an Irons bid for Nunez.
The Hammers are considering an improved offer, but a deal looks increasingly difficult with the little time left before the transfer window closes at 11pm, per a further report from Sky.
This issue is exacerbated by the logistical difficulties, as the 22-year-old is currently in South America with the Uruguay squad for their World Cup qualifier against Venezuela on Tuesday.
The Verdict: Get it done!
The 22-year-old has scored 20 goals in 25 appearances for Benfica this season, which has alerted plenty of clubs to his undeniable attacking threat, with many monitoring his situation at the Portuguese club.
His former Benfica manager, Jorge Jesus, has claimed that he ‘will be the best in the world’ even claiming the youngster would be ‘the most expensive player to leave Benfica’ – the Primeira Liga club have a reputation for selling top talents for big fees, with Joao Felix bringing the current largest sum at £114m.
West Ham should do everything they can to secure Nunez’s services on deadline day as it will only become ever-more difficult to sign him. At just 22 years old, he could prove to be a top-level attacker for the next decade, and it’s not hard to imagine richer clubs pushing their way in this summer going by Jesus’ praise.
In other news: West Ham United: Phillips bid officially rejected