Aston Villa are likely to be in the race to sign Benfica striker Darwin Nunez this summer, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Nunez has had a stunning campaign in Portugal, and is attracting attention from a number of high-profile clubs.

What's the latest news involving Nunez?

In his debut season at Benfica in 2020/21, Nunez showed promising signs by scoring six goals and delivering 10 assists in 29 league games. This season, he has taken his game to a new level altogether.

Across all competitions, Nunez has netted 26 goals in 33 appearances, and has helped his team progress to the quarter-finals of the Champions League. Meanwhile at Villa Park, Danny Ings has five and Ollie Watkins has seven.

This has led to major clubs sitting up and taking notice. According to 90min, Arsenal, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Newcastle have all been in touch with Nunez's representatives to speak about the forward, while Manchester United and West Ham are also interested in him.

It is understood that Benfica value Nunez at around £65m.

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What has O'Rourke said about Nunez?

O'Rourke thinks Villa will be keen to sign Nunez, but he has suggested that the Uruguayan may be too expensive, and has claimed that the Midlands club missing out on European football could harm their chances of bringing him to Villa Park.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, O'Rourke said: “I’m sure they’re probably among those clubs looking at Darwin Nunez at Benfica. That one might be outside their price range, or even luring him without Champions League football might be difficult.”

Do Villa have a realistic chance of signing Nunez?

It appears that they are in the mix right now, but it will be difficult for them to fend off their rivals for Nunez's signature.

Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United and West Ham all look set to end up in Europe next season, and that is likely to give them the edge over Villa when it comes to tempting Nunez away from Benfica.

Having proven his class this season, Nunez will want to be testing himself in the biggest games moving forward by playing in the Champions League or Europa League, and Villa cannot offer him that at this stage.

If Steven Gerrard could somehow convince Nunez to move to Villa, it would be a huge coup for the club as the 22-year-old looks to have a very bright future ahead of him.

Realistically, the odds are stacked against them in this particular pursuit, though.