Report: PL rivals lead Chelsea in race to sign in-form Uruguayan forward with £125m release clause

Transfer News: Chelsea trail Manchester City in Darwin Nunez race

As per transfer news from Daily Star, Manchester City are leading the race to sign Darwin Nunez, who was scouted by around 30 clubs including Chelsea in Benfica’s win against Barcelona.

The Uruguay international starred for the Portuguese side with a brace when they smashed the Catalan side 3-0 in their UEFA Champions League side.

The 22-year-old forward, who often finds himself down the left flank for Benfica, has been a regular for them since his move from UD Almeria last year. And now, he is on the radar of several clubs including Chelsea.

However, Manchester City are hopeful of stealing a march on the other clubs and hope to land Nunez for £70million, which is considerably lower than his apparent £125million release clause.

Nunez was also linked with a move away from Benfica this summer, and his boss, Jorge Jesus, admitted in an interview earlier this year that he may lose the star forward.

“He was Benfica’s most expensive purchase, and when there is no pandemic, he will be the most expensive sale. He will be a world-class player. We must not forget that he is a kid. There is a lot about the game that he does not know yet. He will learn with me and Benfica. Unfortunately for me, maybe I will lose him in a short time.”

Nunez’s talent and ability are not up for debate. The electric forward is still 22 and has a long way to go before he enters his prime years.

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And Man City’s intense interest would come as a blow for Chelsea if they are serious about landing Nunez. However, nothing can be said for certain and the Blues can afford to be hopeful until he puts pen to paper for a new side.