Chelsea are prepared to make a loss on Christopher Nkunku as Manchester United consider a move for the forward this summer, in accordance with reports.
Nkunku, signed for £52million from RB Leipzig in 2023, looks set to go away Chelsea this summer after being deemed surplus to requirements.
The Frenchman was overlooked of several of Enzo Maresca’s matchday squads last season and has seemingly fallen further down the pecking order this summer after the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
United are certainly one of the clubs credited with an interest in Nkunku and are said to have held talks with the player’s camp last month to attempt to begin thrashing out a deal.
Ruben Amorim’s side have already signed Matheus Cunha and are closing in on a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, but are still keen on further attacking reinforcements after a dismal season last yr.
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And in accordance with the Mirror, the Red Devils may have to pay just £35m to persuade Chelsea to part ways with the 27-year-old.
United can have to first sanction departures to boost funds but have several players who’re in search of a move away from Old Trafford this summer.
Marcus Rashford continues to be pushing for a move to Barcelona after the United forward was stripped of his No.10 shirt ahead of pre-season.
Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Tyrell Malacia have also reportedly told United that they would love to go away this summer.
All five have been granted an prolonged break to attempt to finalise moves away from the club.
Joao Pedro trying to fill Nkunku’s boots
Latest summer signing Pedro looks set to switch Nkunku in Maresca’s squad as a similarly versatile attacker who can play across the front line.
But former Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson insisted the Brazilian may have to work hard to make sure he succeeds where Nkunku failed.
‘It should all rely upon how Joao Pedro starts, whether he’ll get regular minutes,’ Johnson told Metro via 888sport. ‘I like him as a player but obviously he’s making a giant step up from Brighton, no disrespect to them obviously.
‘It should be interesting to see what he can do now with higher players. If you would like to play frequently for a team difficult for the Premier League title, then you will have to kick on. How he starts shall be very necessary for his Chelsea prospects.’
Asked about Jamie Gittens, one other of Chelsea’s recent signings, Johnson added: ‘It’s at all times a risk signing players from outside the Premier League, especially those with a giant transfer fee.
‘There are numerous players who come to the Premier League and find games too fast, they usually get overrun – they’ll’t cope.
‘But there are also numerous players that may take care of the physicality. It’s a risk, nevertheless it might be one price taking.’
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