Manchester United plotting shock move for Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku
Nkunku has struggled for regular playing at Chelsea this season
Manchester United are reportedly plotting a shock move for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku as the Frenchman assesses his future at Stamford Bridge.
Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 for £52million, a deal that was initially seen as a major statement signing.
However, a series of injuries curtailed his playing time last season, and in the current 2024-25 campaign, new manager Enzo Maresca has favoured Nicolas Jackson as Chelsea’s first-choice striker.
The French international has started just one Premier League match this season and has only accumulated 154 minutes of playing time.
Despite this, Nkunku remains Chelsea’s top scorer this season, with 10 goals to his name – most of which have come in the Europa Conference League and Carabao Cup.
Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg reported last week that Nkunku could be considering an exit from Stamford Bridge, although a January move remains unlikely.
Plettenberg posted on X: “Christopher #Nkunku is currently not planning a transfer this winter.
“However, the 26y/o’s situation at #CFC is challenging.
“He is in top form and highly motivated, but despite scoring 10 goals in competitive matches this season, the French striker is not a regular starter.
“If Nukunku‘s situation does not improve by the summer, a departure from Chelsea FC could become a possibility.”
Now, L’Equipe is reporting that Manchester United are preparing to make a move for the France international in the upcoming transfer window.
This comes as the Red Devils look to strengthen their squad under new manager Ruben Amorim.
Man United have been linked with several players as they reportedly plan to raid Amorim’s former club, Sporting CP, in a bid to boost their attacking options.
Amorim is expected to travel to Manchester on Monday to formally take charge of the team, with his first match as United boss scheduled for after the international break on November 24, when they face Ipswich Town in a league clash.
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