Romano reveals price tag for signing 34-goal striker on Chelsea’s radar

Chelsea transfer target Darwin Nunez is expected to cost between £64-68 million

Speaking on Wondergoal podcast, (h/t football.london) Fabrizio Romano claims that Darwin Nunez is valued at £64-68 million and Chelsea are interested in signing him this summer. Many other European giants, notably our arch-rivals Arsenal, are also interested in the youngster.

Nunez has been a standout player for Benfica this season, scoring 34 goals in all competitions. United, Arsenal, Newcastle, and Atletico Madrid have all expressed interest in him as a result of his recent form.

His eye for goal in Europe has put him on the radar of big European clubs looking for a striker in good form. The talented striker scored in the first leg of the Champions League tie against Liverpool and has been in top form for Benfica this season.

Darwin Nunez in action against Arsenal. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Darwin Nunez is the fourth top scorer in Europe and (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Nunez will not be a cheap pick, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who estimates he would cost between €75million and €80million (£64million and £68million), but plenty of teams will be participating in what could be a difficult transfer war.

“I’m really curious to see what happens with Darwin Nunez because I see him leaving Benfica this summer. I’m sure. It will depend on the price because, for example, in January on deadline day, West Ham made a proposal of €45million and it was turned down because Benfica wanted €55million. Now I think with €55million , you are absolutely not buying him. So, what is needed is around €75million -€80million (£64.2million-£68.5million) for Darwin Nunez, to open negotiations with Benfica.”

Should Chelsea go all-out to sign Darwin Nunez?

For the past few seasons, Chelsea have made significant investments in strikers. They brought in Romelu Lukaku from Inter Milan after winning the Champions League last season. And a year prior to that, Timo Werner arrived from RB Leipzig.

In such a situation, the club would be wise to analyse if it is really necessary to go all out for Nunez and spend such a hefty price to sign him from Benfica.

Lukaku, Timo Werner, and Callum Hudson-Odoi are already in charge of our attack. Buying another striker and keeping them all would not be a wise financial option unless we are really sure that the next attacker we bring in is the one to lead us for years to come.

Chelsea among clubs leading the transfer race for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez.
Chelsea among clubs leading the transfer race for Benfica striker Darwin Nunez. (Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images)

We’d have to first decide on the future of the Belgian, who was bought from Inter last summer to improve our attack. This has not been the case this season, as he has not been at his best for us. Since his return to England, he has struggled to prove his worth and impress Thomas Tuchel enough to make the starting eleven on several occasions.

He recently bagged a brace against Wolves in the league and hopefully, it is the start of something great for the Belgian at the Bridge. Nunez is surely a great striker and most fans would love to have him at Chelsea. But in the current situation, adding another striker to the team would not be a wise decision if Lukaku plans to stay.

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The ex- Inter Milan star has recently got back into the team and is looking confident after scoring a goal each in his last two outings for the Blues. We never know what happens next season and if Lukaku recaptures his form. But are Chelsea preparing to wait and find that out for themselves? Or do they not want to risk another season like this season and instead, get another proven goal-getter?

These questions may have a clearer answer once we are into the summer transfer window.