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Written by Martin Graham | May 13, 2022
Reports from France have claimed that Paris Saint-Germain have approached Benfica with a big financial offer for their striker Darwin Nunez, who has been wooed by Manchester United for some time.
The 22-year-old Uruguay international has emerged this season after struggling initially in his first season at Benfica and has attracted interest from across Europe.
Of all the clubs interested in his services, Manchester United have been the club with the most potential to sign him in the summer, although Benfica are unwilling to let him go just yet.
However, PSG made a £102m bid for the striker to disrupt Manchester United’s plans. The Red Devils were reportedly bidding between £60-70m, and PSG’s bid nearly doubled their bid for Benfica.
Nunez is under contract with Benfica until 2025 and has a release clause of £128m. Both Paris Saint-Germain and Man United’s bids were lower than the released club, but the two Parisians made the highest bid so far among all the bids received by the La Liga side, for 34 goals.
PSG’s interest is described as “undoubtedly” as they are preparing to lose Kylian Mbappe despite their efforts to retain the 23-year-old World Cup winner. The 10-time Ligue 1 champion is also preparing to lose Mauro Icardi in the summer which means he will have no offensive options.
Donnarumma reflects on the first season of Paris Saint-Germain
Elsewhere, Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma reflected on his debut season with PSG as he just won his first league title a year after winning Euro 2020 with Italy.
The 23-year-old has gone from being an undisputed starter at Milan to rotating with Keylor Navas at Paris Saint-Germain, and has struggled to come to terms with it. However, he has indicated his desire to stay at PSG and also announced his goal of becoming the club’s undisputed No. 1, presenting an open challenge for the Costa Rica veteran.
Talking to France Press agencyDonnarumma said of his time at Paris Saint-Germain: “I want to stay at Paris Saint-Germain. I am happy with my first title in the Paris Saint-Germain shirt. I am very proud to belong to this club, a very ambitious team that always aims to achieve higher.”
“When I arrived, I did not feel the pressure of the European Championship, although it was not easy to settle down.
“It has not been an easy season, I know I can do more, I played half the matches and couldn’t do my best, but I am convinced that I can do more for this team and this club.
“No, I don’t think it will be so [rotating with Navas next season]. I have a great relationship with Keylor, we are two good people, we understand the situation, but it was difficult for him as well.
“Suppose we achieved it with the help of the whole group and with the understanding between us.”
