Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku in the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils have been keen to add more quality to their midfield unit, with their squad lacking depth in that specific area. Their current crop of midfielders haven’t performed consistently this season, often leaving the defence exposed.
According to BILD, Manchester United have identified RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku as an option to reinforce their midfield. Ralf Rangnick, the club’s interim boss, is keen on the player having originally brought the Frenchman to RB Leipzig back in 2019 when he was their sporting director.
Nkunku, 24, has developed into one of the most exciting young talents in world football ever since arriving at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019. He is enjoying a sensational season with Leipzig, drawing attention from clubs around Europe.
The former France under-21 international has registered 22 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, including nine-goal contributions in the Champions League.
Christopher Nkunku in UEFA club competition this season 👏
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🅰️2⃣#UEL pic.twitter.com/6vzfyllACp— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) February 24, 2022
With no buyout clause in his contract and a deal running until 2024, Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has declared Nkunku is not for sale in the summer. However, the report adds that it would take Manchester United to splash an eye-watering fee in excess of €75million to persuade the Bundesliga club to sell one of their prized assets.
Christopher Nkunku to Manchester United—Should the Red Devils splash big on him?
Manchester United are in big danger of losing both Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard on free transfers due to their contracts expiring at the end of the season. With no renewal in sight, Nemanja Matic ageing and the duo of Scott McTominay and Fred not performing consistently in the last two years, the Red Devils must prioritise reinforcing their midfield options.
Christopher Nkunku, in that regard, would be an ideal fit at Old Trafford. The 24-year-old is perhaps one of the most versatile players around the European continent, given his ability to play in a multitude of midfield and attacking positions. He has mightily impressed with his versatility for Leipzig this season, with the Frenchman combining well with his teammates in the final third, creating chances and scoring goals.
Quick, creative and technically sound with great vision, Nkunku doesn’t shy away from having a go at the goalkeeper from long range and can keep the ball moving quite well in and around the box. The ex-Paris Saint-Germain man works hard off the ball and jumps into challenges when required. He can add a lot of energy and dynamism to the Manchester United side, whilst improving their midfield as well as attacking options.
As players like Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Donny Van de Beek, Edinson Cavani, Anthony Martial and Mason Greenwood are facing uncertain futures at Old Trafford, Nkunku instantly becomes a viable target. At 24, the Frenchman is slowly heading towards the prime stages of his career and going by his exploits in the Bundesliga, Manchester United should think about meeting RB Leipzig’s €75million valuation of their star playmaker.