- Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United are ready to fight out Christopher Nkunku’s signature from Chelsea during the January transfer window
- Nkunku has impressed with ten goals in 18 appearances despite limited game time, but fitness issues and Chelsea's crowded squad have stalled his Premier League impact
- Chelsea might hesitate to sell to Manchester United, while Dortmund faces financial hurdles in their pursuit of the French international
French international Christopher Nkunku's future is fast becoming a major doubt, with Bundesliga giant Borussia Dortmund and Premier League side Manchester United reportedly vying for his signature.
The Chelsea forward’s performances have caught the eye of several high-profile clubs despite his struggle to break in as a regular at Stamford Bridge.
Nkunku, 27, joined Chelsea in July 2023 from RB Leipzig in a deal worth £52 million, a move secured about a year in advance. Expectations were high, given his impressive record in the Bundesliga.
However, fitness issues and Chelsea's bloated squad have hampered his progress in London, limiting his opportunities in the Premier League. Despite these challenges, Nkunku’s form has remained impressive, tallying ten goals and one assist in 18 outings across all competitions, an average of a goal every 70 minutes.
Borussia Dortmund, eager to bolster their attacking options, are reportedly interested in bringing Nkunku back to the Bundesliga. His ability to play multiple roles in the final third is much in line with Dortmund's needs, especially given their struggles in attack this season.
Nonetheless, questions remain about whether the Black and Yellows can afford to secure such a high-profile deal.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have also entered the race, with new manager Ruben Amorim said to be a keen admirer of Nkunku's talents. The Red Devils are actively searching for a versatile attacker to enhance their frontline, making the Frenchman a reasonable target. Reports suggest that Nkunku is open to a move to Old Trafford.
Although Chelsea might hesitate to sell to a direct rival like Manchester United, the West London club would likely demand a fee close to the £52 million they paid RB Leipzig for Nkunku. As the January transfer window looms, Nkunku’s future remains uncertain, but his name will most likely dominate headlines in the coming months.
Manchester United eye Osimhen-Zirkzee swap deal
Previously, TheRadar reported that Premier League side Manchester United are reportedly preparing a major bid for Napoli’s prolific striker Victor Osimhen, with plans to use struggling forward Joshua Zirkzee as leverage in a player-plus-cash deal. The Red Devils are seeking to transform their frontline with the Nigerian star while offloading a player yet to find his feet at Old Trafford.
Zirkzee, who arrived at United from Bologna just six months ago for £37 million, has only shown a decline in his brief stint so far, scoring only once in 17 appearances.