Manchester United Go After Another Chelsea Star Forward

Manchester United’s transfer ambitions are not slowing down, and now they’re eyeing a potentially explosive addition from within the Premier League.

According to L’Équipe, via iMiaSanMia, United have made an enquiry for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, joining Inter Milan in expressing interest. Bayern Munich are also attentive to the situation, though they currently have other priorities and, as of now, no formal talks have taken place.

Nkunku is expected to cost between €35 and €40 million this summer. For a player of his caliber, that could end up being one of the smartest pieces of business in the window—if he stays fit.

Chelsea’s Nkunku Gamble Isn’t Paying Off

Once hailed as one of the brightest attacking talents in European football during his RB Leipzig days, Nkunku arrived at Chelsea with sky-high expectations.

His 2022/23 season in the Bundesliga, where he scored 16 goals and added 6 assists in just 25 matches, showcased the kind of all-around offensive brilliance that made him one of the continent’s hottest properties.

But injuries ruined his first campaign in England. After missing the first half of the season due to a serious knee injury sustained in pre-season, Nkunku struggled to regain his sharpness and ended the year with just 2 Premier League goals in limited minutes.

Now, under Enzo Maresca, he’s not seen as a core part of the project. With Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, and new signings like Estevao and Kendry Páez (soon to arrive), Chelsea are overflowing with attacking players. The message to Nkunku is clear: if the right offer comes, he can go.

United Want Firepower—and Nkunku Has It

Manchester United, meanwhile, are building up their forward options. Matheus Cunha looks set to join, while Bryan Mbeumo is also a strong possibility. But even with those moves in motion, there’s recognition that this team still needs more goals and technical quality in the final third.

Nkunku might not be a striker in the traditional sense—and that role should still be United’s top priority—but his versatility and ability to play as a second striker, attacking midfielder, or even wide forward make him a valuable asset.

His goal-scoring instinct, intelligent movement, and creative edge were all on display during his time in Germany, and at his best, he can be the difference-maker in tight matches.

At 26, Nkunku is entering his prime. A fully fit season at a club that believes in him could reignite his career. United know the risk is there with his injury history, but the upside is considerable.

Bayern Interest Lingers, but United Can Make a Move

Bayern are a club Nkunku would be open to joining, per L’Équipe, but there’s no active negotiation.

That gives United and Inter the chance to act fast. At €35–40 million, he’s a mid-tier investment for a top-tier talent. For a club that has spent heavily in recent summers with mixed results, this one could quietly be a masterstroke—if they can get it over the line.

And once again, Chelsea may find themselves strengthening a rival in the process.