Christopher Nkunku is arguably the most high-profile player [Newcastle United](https://readnewcastle.com/2026/08/21/newcastle-united-ready-let-player-go-bargain-transfer-fee/) have been linked with this summer. In a transfer window in which the club have signed only youngsters, signing the Frenchman would certainly be a departure from the norm.
Nkunku has experience playing in the Premier League from his two seasons at Chelsea. Before that, he had also played for PSG and RB Leipzig. And right now, he is at AC Milan. He has also featured for the French national team.
So, Nkunku is a player with immense pedigree. That being said, the last few years have not been the most fruitful for the Frenchman, who has struggled to showcase his best since leaving Germany.
Even then, it is easy to see why Newcastle United fans might be excited by the prospect of signing someone like Nkunku this summer. He is someone you know what you will get from, which cannot be said for most of the signings the Magpies have made. But is there truth to the rumour, or is it just media speculation? We finally have the answer to that.
According to [Fabrizio Romano](https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2090852534940254572), both Newcastle United and RB Leipzig are in direct contact with AC Milan over a deal to sign Nkunku.
There are initial approaches, as nothing is done or agreed yet but contacts continue for the French international. Nkunku will leave AC Milan this summer.
Now, it remains to be seen whether Newcastle United are able to get a deal over the line or not. Let us not forget how many times they have fallen short so far this summer.
Considering this seems to be a two-horse race, Newcastle United have a fair chance of signing the player. But it won’t be as simple as that, and they might very well be behind already.
Both of these are very different options if you are Nkunku. RB Leipzig is a club he knows well, and where he has already been immensely successful.
He won the Bundesliga Player of the Season on one occasion and followed that up by winning the cannon the following campaign by topping the scoring charts in the league. Naturally, for a player that has struggled these past three years, that familiarity could be attractive.
On the other hand, Newcastle United would offer him another chance in the Premier League. And considering the current team, he would most probably be the face of it for the next few years if he can perform on the pitch.
It remains to be seen how things turn out in this transfer saga over the coming weeks. There is not much time left in the window, so hopefully a decision will be made soon.