Man United and Chelsea swap: '100 per cent' Nkunku for Garnacho transfer update
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Man United should definitely get a deal done for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku amid speculation of a swap deal with Alejandro Garnacho, according to Paul Merson.
Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg reported that discussions regarding a swap deal between the two players have already taken place with the clubs.
Despite widespread opposition from United fans, the club has reignited its interest in the Frenchman, having been linked to him previously.
Former Arsenal defender Merson weighed in on the potential transfer and said the Red Devils should “100%” get a deal done during Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday.
He said on 25 January: "If I'm Man United I’m getting that deal done. 100%. If I'm Man United I’m dropping him off! And picking up and Nkunku.
"I am because he’s a good player. I mean he’s just bang unlucky at Chelsea because of [Cole] Palmer. Because Palmer’s done unbelievably well, he just hasn’t got in.
"Oh, he’s a good player, honestly, if Man United I got him, they’d get a signing and a half. Honestly, they would.
"I’m with Tim [Sherwood], I don’t get the Garnacho one. He’s not better than [Jadon] Sancho, no where near. "He’s not better than [Pedro] Neto.
“Him and [Noni] Madueke, you know, they'll have their days where they look really good, but they won’t be consistent enough.
"But yeah, I don’t see where he plays. But the other lad [Nkunku] walks into the Man United team, absolutely walks into it"
Man United could land Christopher Nkunku in Chelsea swap
Football Insider Verdict
Merson's take on Nkunku’s misfortune is important, highlighting the Frenchman's luck since his arrival in West London.
Not only has he had to compete with players like Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Sancho, but he has also been plagued by injuries.
The 27-year-old missed a staggering 48 games last season, limiting his impact at the club.
Despite returning to fitness, Nkunku has struggled for consistent game time under Enzo Maresca. He has made just three Premier League starts this season and sitting on the bench in their last three outings.
This lack of involvement could prompt the forward to seek an exit during the January transfer window.
His performances at RB Leipzig, however, underline why United may be tempted to make a deal. Nkunku delivered an astonishing 32 goals and assists in 39 appearances during his final season in Germany.
The year before, he registered an incredible 35 goals and 19 assists, output that earned him a £52 million move to Chelsea [BBC Sport].
For Ruben Amorim's side, Nkunku could slot seamlessly into various roles across the front line. Whether as a striker, an attacking midfielder with Bruno Fernandes, or even on the flanks.
While a deal for Nkunku makes sense on paper, the question remains: will Garnacho be sacrificed to make it happen?
In other news, Chelsea have sent scouts to watch this Borussia Dortmund star amid transfer speculation.
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