Complications in the Harder negotiations reopen the market for a striker: the Frenchman is highly regarded. This operation could be worth 35-40 million euros… under certain conditions.
Christopher Nkunku could be an option for AC Milan, who are actively seeking a new striker. The club is currently navigating an intense period, exploring various transfer opportunities. The pursuit of Conrad Harder has become a distant prospect after promising initial negotiations, while Dusan Vlahovic, though a fan favorite, remains an exceptionally costly and therefore complicated target. Consequently, Nkunku has emerged as a potential surprise candidate in Milan’s transfer strategy.
Chelsea, Milan, and Bayern`s Interest
AC Milan has initiated inquiries regarding Nkunku, as the French international is reportedly available for transfer from Chelsea, potentially even on a loan basis. His departure from London could mirror that of Nicolas Jackson, another player Milan has pursued in recent weeks; however, Jackson’s costs are higher, and he is currently in discussions with Bayern Munich. Notably, neither Nkunku nor Jackson was included in Chelsea`s squad for their recent match against West Ham, signaling potential moves. An initial estimate places Nkunku`s transfer fee around 35-40 million euros, though his substantial salary remains a significant factor to be addressed.
Who is Nkunku?
Nkunku has endured two challenging seasons at Chelsea, having joined the club in 2023 for approximately 65 million euros. This followed two highly successful years at RB Leipzig, where he netted a remarkable 58 goals across both seasons, establishing himself as a formidable talent. While not a traditional pure center-forward, Nkunku frequently excelled in that role during his peak at Leipzig. His versatility and explosive speed suggest he could integrate seamlessly into Milan`s tactical system, forming a potent attacking trio alongside players like Pulisic, Leao, and Gimenez. Nkunku is also known for his distinctive goal celebration: inflating a balloon after scoring. This balloon was red during his time at Leipzig and blue at Chelsea. Should he join AC Milan, a new red and black balloon would undoubtedly become a familiar sight.
