Darwin Nunez has decided that he wants to join an elite club when he leaves Benfica, according to a new report.
Portuguese newspaper Record has the latest on his future and they claim that he was not sold on the prospect of moving to the London Stadium in January when West Ham made a bid for him.
The Irons were said to be willing to pay up to €45m, or £37.9m, in total to bring Nunez into the club.
Benfica wanted closer to £50m, so the deal was not done between the clubs and Record now reports that Nunez wasn’t keen on the move because he wants to move to a top-tier European club.
They claim that he sees himself at a club such as Manchester City or Atletico Madrid and his asking price has risen as a result.
Benfica, who have qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals, are now demanding £67.5m to let their prized asset go; he has scored 26 goals in 33 games this season in all competitions.
That may well scotch any plans West Ham had to reignite their pursuit in the summer.