Manchester United are eyeing Chelsea striker Christopher Nkunku as a possible target in January, Borussia Dortmund are also in the draw, TEAMtalk can reveal.
Chelsea have made an excellent start to life under new manager Enzo Maresca and are well into the Champions League race and looking one of the most exciting teams in England. They will continue to build and under the direction of the Italian, but some players are not having the most productive moments.
One of them is Nkunku, who was excluded from Chelsea’s starting eleven in the Premier League and had to settle for a few minutes off the bench. This has left the Frenchman dissatisfied and seriously affected for the January window.
Sources have confirmed to TEAMtalk that the versatile attacker has interest from many clubs because he is seen as a top player by those within the game. They are just as bemused at the lack of minutes as the former RB Leipzig star.
Man Utd are among Nkunku’s potential suitors as they are keeping tabs on his situation. Sources close to the player view a move to United as a potential solution to his issues at Chelsea.
Nkunku could be a brilliant signing for new United boss Ruben Amorim, too. The 27-year-old previously operated as one of two strikers in a Leipzig side which played three at the back, just like Amorim.
Nkunku has also played in a false 9/No 10 role and was highly effective for the Bundesliga outfit in that position.
These factors make Nkunku a player of interest for United, who are looking to try and bring in some top talent to help Amorim.
However, it is important to note United do not have the funds to buy him outright in the winter window and the only realistic option would be a loan.
It is possible that the 14-cap France international will ask Chelsea to allow him to leave on loan in January, but a move to a Premier League rival is considered unlikely at this stage.
There is major interest in Nkunku from the German Bundesliga, with Borussia Dortmund among the clubs who are keen on him. A switch to Dortmund is viewed as a realistic option for Nkunku, should he be allowed to leave Chelsea on a temporary basis this winter.
A permanent departure from Stamford Bridge is unlikely to happen before the summer of 2025. Many parties are reportedly holding back budget in anticipation of an all-out attack during the summer window.
Nkunku’s struggle to gain betting time this season is unexpected given that he has established himself as a key player for Leipzig.
He was named Bundesliga Player of the Season after recording 20 goals and 15 assists in the 2021-22 campaign. He also shared the Bundesliga top scorer award the following season after scoring 16 goals in 25 appearances.
Nkunku’s exploits for Leipzig prompted Chelsea to agree a £52million deal to sign him in June 2023. However, his debut season at Chelsea was effectively a write-off due to knee and hamstring injuries.
Nkunku has performed well when Maresca has given him opportunities this season, mainly in competitions such as the Europa Conference League and the League Cup. In fact, his record stands at 10 goals in 18 outings.
The former Paris Saint-Germain ace is clearly a fantastic player but he is being kept out of the Chelsea team by Cole Palmer.
Meanwhile, Ruud Van Nistelrooy could temporarily return to control after stepping down as United’s caretaker boss.
The legendary former striker is weighing up his characteristics behind Amorim to incorporate his own coaching staff.
Leicester City are interested in Van Nistelrooy after sacking Steve Cooper, though they will face competition from his former side Hamburg.
Elsewhere, struggling Chelsea man Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall has been warned he could go down the same route as Danny Drinkwater.
Dewsbury-Hall reunited with his former Leicester boss Maresca at Chelsea over the summer, only to be left on the bench alongside Nkunku for large periods.
Emmanuel Petit spoke about the problematic scenario at Dewsbury-Hall and named the Chelsea star who could be the “signing of the season”.