Christopher Nkunku could finally arrive at Old Trafford this summer, as the Red Devils eye a move for the Chelsea talisman
Christopher Nkunku steps off a flight with suitcase in hand
Christopher Nkunku could be on the move this summer(Image: Emilee Chinn, Getty Images)
Christopher Nkunku is rumoured to be on Manchester United's radar in a deal that has been two years in the making.
The Red Devils first took notice of the 27-year-old French striker back in 2022 when then-manager Ralf Rangnick showed interest in the at the time RB Leipzig sensation. Rangnick was the one who brought Nkunku to the Bundesliga from Paris Saint-Germain three years prior, securing him on a five-year contract for a reported £11million - a move that proved to be incredibly successful.
Despite Rangnick leaving his position at Die Roten Bullen in July 2019, Nkunku stayed at the Red Bull Arena until 2023, netting 70 goals and providing 55 assists in 172 appearances. Rangnick eventually found his feet as the interim manager of Manchester United in 2021, following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and the following year, the 66-year-old expressed an interest in reuniting with Nkunku, a sentiment reportedly shared by the French player.
However, the stumbling block at the time was that Manchester United had no scouting reports on Nkunku, and consequently, he wasn't on the club's shortlist. Given Rangnick's relationship with the player, he was reportedly almost speechless upon learning of the situation and insisted that scouts closely observe him during Leipzig's match against VfL Bochum in February 2022.
At the time, with United's resources, it was believed that they could meet Leipzig's £62m valuation of the star and triple his £30,000 weekly wage with a move to Old Trafford. However, no deal materialised, with Rangnick replaced by Erik ten Hag in May 2022. Instead of bolstering his strikeforce, the Dutchman chose to spend £82m on Antony, £70m on Casemiro and £57m on Lisandro Martinez during the summer transfer window, while Nkunku stayed in Germany for another year, reports the Mirror.
In 2023, Nkunku finally secured his much-anticipated move to the Premier League, albeit to Stamford Bridge rather than Old Trafford, where he has remained ever since. Chelsea reportedly paid £52m to sign Nkunku on a six-year contract, but the forward - who can also play as an attacking midfielder - has not yet justified his price tag.
In 2025, Nkunku has scored just 17 goals in 57 matches for the Blues due to injury and inconsistency. As a result, Enzo Maresca hasn't dismissed the possibility of him leaving this summer if the price is right.
Ralf Rangnick looks on
Ralf Rangnick was unable to sign Christopher Nkunku
(Image: PA)
Now, it is reported that Chelsea and Manchester United are considering a swap deal between Nkunku and Alejandro Garnacho, who appears to be unsettled in the north west. Garnacho's future at Manchester United is hanging by a thread following a series of clashes with manager Ruben Amorim, who has recently bolstered his attacking options by signing Matheus Cunha from Wolves and showing interest in Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo.
The Argentine winger was notably left out of the starting lineup for United's Europa League final defeat to Tottenham last month, a decision he criticised publicly while lamenting the team's "s***" season. Earlier in the campaign, tensions between Garnacho and Amorim were evident when the player appeared to disregard instructions during a Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen.
Alejandro Garnacho wipes his face with his shirt
Alejandro Garnacho could be on the move(Image: Getty Images)
With reports suggesting that Garnacho has been informed he has "no future" at the club, speculation about a move to London has intensified, especially since Chelsea showed interest in January. Nkunku faces his own challenges at Chelsea, where competition for places is fierce following the £30m acquisition of Liam Delap and the anticipated signing of Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund.
Despite this, it's believed that Amorim sees potential in Nkunku to lead the line at Old Trafford, particularly as recent signings Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have not made significant impacts. While there's talk of a potential swap deal involving Garnacho and Nkunku, The Telegraph suggests that separate transfers are more probable, although formal discussions between the clubs have yet to commence.
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