Darwin Nunez not interested in West Ham move, wants Champions League club in summer
Benfica striker Darwin Nunez is not interested in joining West Ham United before today’s transfer deadline, according to The Athletic.
The Hammers want the Uruguayan international, 22, and have made enquiries, but he is not keen and is hopeful of joining a Champions League club in the summer instead.
David Moyes wants to add attacking firepower to his squad before today’s 11 pm deadline, but it appears landing Nunez could prove impossible.
Blow?
West Ham are in the knockout stages of the Europa League, and given that Benfica are still playing Champions League football, with a clash scheduled against Ajax in the last-16 next month, swapping clubs is not likely to be tempting for Nunez right now.
He has 15 league goals to his name in 16 games this term, with three others in six Champions League appearances, and losing him right now would come as a huge blow for the Portuguese giants.
West Ham really could do with his goals in their bid to challenge strongly for silverware and a top-four finish, but it could take a huge bid and enticing personal offer to convince both Benfica and Nunez right now.
They might need to wait until summer to get a deal done, but they have to secure Champions League football first to have any chance of getting that to happen.
That could prove herculean if they fail to land someone capable of giving Michail Antonio a run for his money in front of goal, and this could be a very tricky deal for the Hammers to complete.
In other West Ham news, an amazing attacker is making personal arrangements for Hammers switch in January.
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Hammers and more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.