Chelsea make demands clear for 26-year-old star amid interest from Manchester United: Reports
Manchester United have to pay £52m to sign Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku in January, according to The Telegraph. The French forward has failed to cement a place in Enzo Maresca's starting XI and the Blues are willing to let him go in 2025.
Nkunku arrived at Stamford Bridge from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023, reportedly for a similar fee as one of the most exciting attackers in Europe. However, he missed 39 games for the London giants last season due to various injuries, registering just 14 appearances in all competitions.
Nkunku has fared better this season and now has 10 goals and one assist from 17 games across competitions. Unfortunately, he has managed eight starts, including just one in the Premier League.
Enzo Maresca apparently doesn't rate him, with a plethora of attacking riches to choose from at Stamford Bridge. Interestingly, Nkunku is the Blues' top scorer this season, despite playing around 400 minutes less than Cole Palmer.
Manchester United are keeping a close eye on the situation, as they look to upgrade their attack. The Red Devils have struggled in front of goal this season, with neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Joshua Zirkzee managing to impress in the No. 9 role.
With Ruben Amorim taking over as head coach at Old Trafford, changes are in order. Manchester United are eyeing a move for Christopher Nkunku to address the situation.
Chelsea are willing to let him go, provided they can recuperate the amount they spent on the 26-year-old. The Frenchman's contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2029.
Who was the last player to move from Manchester United to Chelsea?
Jadon Sancho joined Chelsea from Manchester United this summer on a season-long loan. The Englishman had fallen down the pecking order at Old Trafford last campaign under Erik ten Hag.
Sancho spent the second half of last season on loan at his former club Borussia Dortmund, where he helped the German giants reach the final of the UEFA Champions League. His future was subject to speculation over the summer, with the Red Devils opting to stick with the ten Hag.
The 24-year-old even appeared for Manchester United in the Community Shield defeat to Manchester City. However, Chelsea signed him on a temporary move on the deadline day of the summer transfer window.
The Blues supposedly have an obligation to make the move permanent for £20-25m next summer. Sancho has appeared five times for Chelsea, registering three assists.