Newcastle United transfer target Christopher Nkunku is set to re-join RB Leipzig on a season-long loan deal.
The Frenchman scored 70 goals in 172 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit before joining Chelsea for £52million in June 2023. However, the move to West London didn’t go as hoped.
Nkunku struggled with injuries during his debut season and, when fit, couldn’t nail down a regular spot in the starting XI. He joined AC Milan for around £36million last summer but is on the move again after just one season in Italy.
Made available for transfer by the Serie A giants, Newcastle made contact over a potential deal, but the 28-year-old has opted for a return to Leipzig, initially on loan with a £25million option to buy.
Transfer influencer Fabrizio Romano wrote on X: “RB Leipzig reach verbal agreement to sign Christopher Nkunku from AC Milan, here we go!
“Documents being exchanged now after deal in place at €3.5m loan fee plus buy option clause slightly under €30m.
“Nkunku wanted Leipzig, deal now agreed in principle.”
An attacking midfielder, as well as a holding midfielder, are two positions Matthias Jaissle hopes to see strengthened before the summer transfer window closes in just over a week’s time.
The Magpies may also look to sign a centre-back, depending on the severity of Dan Burn’s ankle injury. Sources close to the club expect the 34-year-old to be sidelined for at least a couple of weeks.
Asked about transfers after the 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Sunday, Jaissle said: "I hope so, today the lads were amazing, a young squad but we have some needs we know internally and we keep that internally. You can count them on one hand."