Christopher Nkunku makes decision over Manchester United transfer as Chelsea consider swap deal

01/25/2025 05:33 PM

Christopher Nkunku is open to joining Manchester United as talks continue with Chelsea over an exchange deal involving Alejandro Garnacho.

Both Chelsea and Napoli have expressed an interest in signing Garnacho before the end of the January transfer window but so far only the Serie A club have submitted an offer for the Argentina international, which has been rejected by United.

It’s understood that United are holding out for a €65 million (£54.8m) transfer fee for Garnacho, whose two agents were at Stamford Bridge on Monday to watch Chelsea’s 3-1 win against Wolves.

Garnacho is said to favour the option of remaining in the Premier League instead of moving to Napoli, but Chelsea have yet to reach an agreement with United.

Nkunku, meanwhile, has struggled for playing time under Enzo Maresca this season and has started just three Premier League games so far.

The Chelsea forward was signed in a £52 million deal from RB Leipzig in 2023 but has struggled with knee and hamstring injuries during his time at Stamford Bridge.

United are said to have asked Chelsea about Nkunku’s situation, with Bayern Munich also expressing an interest in signing the French forward.

According to Sky Germany, Chelsea and United are now in talks over both Garnacho and Nkunku and the 27-year-old is open to making the move to Old Trafford this month.

Nkunku has also reached a verbal agreement with Bayern Munich, but they are unable to push ahead with a deal as Mathys Tel is refusing to leave.

Earlier this month, Chelsea had registered their interest in Tel, who has also been unable to secure a regular first-team role this season and has started just two games in the Bundesliga.

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