The latest Newcastle United transfer talk as a former Premier League star’s name has been floated as a potential target.
Christopher Nkunku is set to be on the move this summer as Newcastle United look to strengthen in the final weeks of the transfer window.
The 28-year-old has been made available for transfer by his current club AC Milan, and has several interested parties.
Reports from Italy, relayed by The Sun, claim Newcastle are ‘close’ to signing the versatile French attacker.
Christopher Nkunku scored eight goals in 35 games for AC Milan last seasonplaceholder image
Christopher Nkunku scored eight goals in 35 games for AC Milan last season | Getty Images
Nkunku was signed by former Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell at RB Leipzig for just £11million in 2019 and he went on to have a successful stint at the Bundesliga club. 70 goals in 172 games for Leipzig saw Chelsea put up £52million to sign Nkunku.
But the 18-time French international struggled to make an impact in England with 18 goals in 62 appearances in all competitions, though just six of those goals came in the Premier League. After two seasons at Chelsea, he was told to AC Milan for around £32million plus add-ons.
One year and eight goals in 35 appearances later, Nkunku could be on the move again after being left out of Milan’s pre-season plans. Reports claim he is available for £25million.
Newcastle are in the market for a player of Nkunku’s profile, who can play in an attacking-midfield role or out wide. But reports linking Newcastle with a move have not been backed up by sources on Tyneside.
Transfer narrative expert Fabrizio Romano claims Nkunku will assess his options before making a decision on his future as his former club Leipzig have entered the race to sign him on a temporary basis.
Romano, who has also discussed Newcastle’s interest in the player, posted: “Christopher Nkunku has a loan proposal from RB Leipzig as revealed last week; they’d be happy to bring him back. Nkunku wants to assess all options before deciding his future.”
Newcastle have recently completed their sixth signing of the summer with Amar Dedic joining from Benfica for just under £30million. He follows Ewen Jaouen, Bazoumana Toure, Sean Steur, Aladji Bamba and Lukas Hornicek through the door.
After the major sales of Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, The Gazette understands that Newcastle will remain active in the transfer market up until the September 1 deadline. A defensive midfielder and an attacking player are thought to be high on the club’s list of priorities in the final weeks of the window.