Report: Manchester United make contact over striker with a Bundesliga Player of the Season award to his name
01/24/2025 04:45 PM
Manchester United have reportedly emerged as contenders for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku in the January transfer window.
The Red Devils are looking to strengthen their attacking ranks in wake of a difficult first half of the season for the Old Trafford outfit.
In addition, Manchester United forwards Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford both face an uncertain future at Old Trafford, while Antony is Real Betis-bound.
Sky Sports have now reported on Man United’s stance towards a move for Nkunku, as well as how much Chelsea could demand for their forward.
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Chelsea want £70m for Christopher Nkunku amid Manchester United links
According to Sky Sports News, talks are understood to have been held between intermediaries about Nkunku potentially linking up with Man United.
The report claims Chelsea do not want to sell Nkunku, but it is thought they would be tempted to do business for £70million.
Nkunku is a player Man United are considering, but they are unlikely to meet that £70million figure, added the report.
Nkunku is also a target for Bayern Munich, who are trying to sign the player but have not been able to agree a deal for the Frenchman.
The report claims there would be more chance of Nkunku moving to Bayern if their forward Mathys Tel was willing to move in the opposite direction in a separate deal.
Spanish giants Atletico Madrid have also set their sights on Nkunku, sources have told TBR Football's chief correspondent Graeme Bailey.
What Nkunku could bring to Man United
Nkunku has had limited opportunities at Chelsea and, with the January transfer window now open, he now has the chance to leave Stamford Bridge.
TBR Football first reported back in November that Nkunku was concerned about his lack of game time at Chelsea.
The 27-year-old has played just under 1,700 minutes across the last 18 months, having spent most of the previous campaign out injured.
Nkunku could do with a fresh start and he’s certainly got a lot he could bring to Man United.
The France international was a star for RB Leipzig in Germany, registering 70 goals and 54 assists from 172 appearances.
His efforts led to him winning the Bundesliga’s Player of the Season award in 2021/22.
The Bundesliga website has compared Nkunku to Borussia Dortmund and Germany star Julian Brandt.
‘Like Brandt, Nkunku began life as a winger, but has proved more effective through the middle, where his range of passing options are broadened,’ they wrote.
‘But not at the expense of his ability to dribble past his marker with his low centre of gravity, quick feet and core strength.’
Meanwhile, Wesley Fofana previously told Telefoot about Nkunku: "I have rarely seen someone finish so well in front of goal.”
