Newcastle United’s search for experienced players has led them to ousted AC Milan striker Christopher Nkunku, with the Magpies now seemingly one of two realistic destinations for the forward before the summer transfer window closes.
Nkunku has been linked with several clubs since Milan made him available as part of manager Ruben Amorim’s squad cleanup, and now his future has become considerably clearer, with the 28-year-old excluded from the team and not assigned a number for the new season.
On Friday,
the transfer situation took a huge step when Fabrizio Romano reported that both Newcastle and RB Leipzig are already in direct contact with Milan and confirmed that Nkunku will leave the Serie A club this summer. Neither contender has reached an agreement yet, with discussions continuing while the France international considers his next destination.
“Both Newcastle United and RB Leipzig are in direct contact with AC Milan over a deal to sign Nkunku,” Romano reported. “Initial approaches as nothing done/agreed yet but contacts continue for the French striker. Nkunku will leave AC Milan this summer.”
More important was the information shared by Calciomercato’s Daniele Longo, who provided further details on the developing battle. According to Longo, Newcastle has presented the player with the more attractive financial proposal, while reportedly prepared to pay approximately €35 million (£30 million) to Milan.
Nkunku himself, however, appears more attracted to the more familiar alternative in a potential reunion with German side Leipzig, as a move that is reportedly more appealing to the striker.
According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, while Newcastle has the strongest offer, Leipzig is currently ahead in the race, with the Bundesliga club already holding negotiations with Milan. Nkunku is open to returning to Leipzig, although Plettenberg stressed that no agreement has been reached.
That Leipzig attraction is undeniably understandable. Nkunku produced 70 goals and 56 assists in 172 appearances during his first spell at Leipzig between 2019 and 2023, winning Bundesliga Player of the Season before finishing as the league’s joint-leading scorer the following campaign.
With Milan’s decision already made, the remaining question seems to be where Nkunku wants to restart his career. Newcastle are putting more money on the table, but it may ultimately need to convince the Frenchman that St. James’ Park offers more than Leipzig’s familiar surroundings.
Would you push harder to convince Nkunku, or move on before it’s too late if Leipzig remains his preferred destination for a few more days? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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