What is the transfer value of Arsenal and Man Utd target Darwin Nunez?

Martin Macdonald

• 4 May 2022 15:41 BST
• 6 min read

Darwin Nunez could be set for a big-money transfer this summer, with numerous big clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal all chasing the striker.

Newcastle, too, are said to be "heavily scouting" the centre-forward, whose profilic campaign has seen Benfica stick a huge valuation on the player.

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While many in Spain and Portugal knew all about Nunez long before this season, the Uruguayan striker burst onto the scene in European football when he played a starring role in the Portuguese side's 3-0 defeat of Barcelona in the Champions League.

The young striker scored two goals on the night as his side claimed all three points against a truly disheartened Barca defence. He also scored the winner against Ajax to send Benfica into the quarter-final stage of the competition. Two more goals followed against Liverpool as the Portuguese side eventually bowed out.

In 29 starts in all competitions for the Portuguese giants in 2020/21, he recorded 24 goal contributions via 14 scored himself plus an impressive 10 assists.

Nunez has stepped up his goalscoring in 2021/22, netting 29 times in all competitions.

He was a player that had been right under Barcelona’s nose for a number of years and was available to sign on a number of occasions, but with the Blaugrana now in the rear-view mirror, there are a number of clubs who have stepped up their interest in the striker, mostly from the Premier League.

The two clubs believed to be leading the race for his signature as Arsenal and Manchester United. Newcastle, meanwhile, are hovering as they seek to mount a challenge to the established order in England.

Arsenal were desperate to sign a new centre forward in the January transfer window, but put all of their efforts into acquiring Dusan Vlahovic, who eventually joined Juventus from Fiorentina.

The Gunners will continue their search for a player in this position in the summer, and Nunes is one of a number of names on their wishlist.

As for Man Utd, it is likely they will be in the market for another striker, mostly due to the uncertain future of Marcus Rashford, while Edinson Cavani is set to depart at the expiration of his contract. Even Cristiano Ronaldo is not certain to stay.

What is Darwin Nunez's asking price?

According to reports in Portugal, Nunez's minimum fee release clause with Benfica is a remarkable €150 million.

Meanwhile, the Portuguese giants will demand upwards of €70m - and possibly more - before accepting an offer for the striker this summer.

FootballTransfers values the Uruguayan at €30m, with his value having risen steeply in recent weeks largely thanks to his performances against high-level opponents in the Champions League. Indeed, if he were to continue such form over a prolonged period, it would continue to quickly rise.

Benfica are banking on Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle believing that he is capable of doing just that, hence their hefty asking price.

FootballTransfers' transfer valuations are calculated in collaboration with SciSports, a world-leading football analytics agency that assesses the relative transfer valuations of over 60,000 professional footballers worldwide.

SciSports use multiple data points including current and potential ability, contract length, form, age, and other crucial factors.