Manchester United are intensifying their search for attacking reinforcements and have now turned their attention to a player who, just a year ago, was one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards—Christopher Nkunku. According to emerging reports, the Chelsea forward is firmly on United’s radar, with negotiations expected to accelerate if the Old Trafford club agree to meet a firm asking price.
Nkunku has endured a frustrating time in west London. After a high-profile £52m move from RB Leipzig last summer, his debut campaign was disrupted by injury setbacks, and when fit, he found himself behind Nicolas Jackson in the pecking order. Chelsea, under pressure to offload fringe players and improve their financial outlook, now appear willing to part with the French international for a fee in the region of £35m.
United’s interest in Nkunku reflects their broader need for firepower. Erik ten Hag’s side ended the 2024/25 season in disarray, finishing a dismal 15th in the Premier League while producing one of the league’s least threatening attacks. Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, expected to carry the scoring burden, managed just seven league goals between them. The lack of output up front has forced United into an urgent search for players capable of lifting the team’s attacking threat.
So far, the window has seen mixed results. United moved quickly to trigger Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m release clause at Wolves, but have since faced setbacks. Moves for Viktor Gyokeres and Liam Delap fell through as both players opted for Arsenal and Chelsea, respectively. Their ongoing pursuit of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has hit a wall, with the Bees holding firm at a £70m valuation.
Nkunku, in this context, presents an intriguing proposition. Still only 27, his versatility across the front line and past pedigree—20 goals in his final Bundesliga season—make him a potential value signing if he can regain full fitness and rhythm. With Chelsea open to a deal and the price point set, United now face a straightforward decision: pay up or risk losing another viable target.
The ball is in Manchester United’s court. With pre-season looming and the club under pressure to reshape its squad, Nkunku could be the next name through the door—if the hierarchy decides his upside outweighs the recent injury concerns.
