Manchester United Watch Christopher Nkunku as Chelsea striker Thinks About Next Move Following Complaints Over Time.

Chelsea’s striker Christopher Nkunku, snatched up from RB Leipzig in a summer sale in 2023, is reported to be considering a move away as anger grows over limited Premier League action. Nkunku’s excellent record did not last long in his first season, with injury setbacks holding him to 14 games and three goals. Fully fit, the French striker is back on the field, and though his goalscoring record has climbed with 10 goals in 16 games this campaign, Chelsea’s new boss Enzo Maresca hasn’t found him a stable role in his Premier League line-up. Manchester United, who are well aware of Nkunku’s abilities, appear ready to strike if things aren’t changed.

Chelsea Will Sell Nkunku At the Right Price After Amorim Wants First Big United Transfer Amorim Wants First Big United Move

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is reported to have said he will not oppose a Nkunku transfer if Manchester United fulfil the £52 million buy-out clause. The transfer could well be a first-time offer for United’s new boss Ruben Amorim, who reportedly has £60 million on hand for January transfers. While defense would be Amorim’s priority when implementing his 3-4-3 formation, an attacking midfielder such as Nkunku could hone United’s attack. Hopefully, Amorim would press Nkunku as his first major signing, giving the multi-functional striker an opportunity to make his Premier League debut.

The Gap In Chelsea’s Squad Limits Nkunku’s Premier League Potential

Nkunku’s circumstances are complicated at Stamford Bridge, with Cole Palmer settling into his preferred role and Nicolas Jackson usually the central man of Chelsea’s midfield. Consequently, most of Nkunku’s appearances have come in Europe, starting all five Conference League matches and two League Cup matches. Maresca’s tempo has also limited Nkunku to a paltry 15.6% of Premier League minutes, even though he’s an obvious contributor in other leagues. This small-scale involvement has been unsatisfying to the 26-year-old, who has made just one Premier League appearance since his season-opening defeat to Manchester City in August, according to sources close to Nkunku.

Chelsea’s Supposed Strategy To Recruit Victor Osimhen If Nkunku Leaves.

If Chelsea decides to release Nkunku, they could spend the transfer money on a long-term target, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Chelsea had lost Osimhen to the Turkish side this summer and ended up loaning him out to Galatasaray, where he has impressed with eight goals in nine matches. Chelsea are not alone in their interest, though, with Newcastle United on the verge of making some changes to their attacking line after Alexander Isak’s poor form.

Real Madrid and Manchester United Compete for Defensive Targets

Then there’s the transfer craze caused by Real Madrid’s search for a defender. After losing Eder Militao to a season-ending ACL injury, Real Madrid are looking for defensive reinforcements, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jonathan Tah is one such player. Manchester United were reportedly looking at Tah as an upgrade for their defence under Amorim, but Real Madrid’s arrival might put things on hold. Madrid have refused to re-sign Sergio Ramos, opting instead to target younger center-backs such as Aymeric Laporte and Castello Lukeba.

Chelsea’s Young Stars Grab European Sense of Place

Chelsea’s 17-year-old forward Kiano Dyer, son of former Premier League winger Lloyd Dyer, has attracted European clubs. The England U19 midfielder has been performing well in the Premier League Two and was recently called up to Chelsea’s first-team for a Europa Conference League fixture . Major club scouts have been monitoring him while Chelsea continues its recruitment policy for youth players, though recent headlined departures such as Rio Nguhoma to Liverpool highlight how hard it is to retain the best.

Nkunku’s potential departure would reshuffle both Chelsea’s squad and Manchester United’s January transfer market with Amorim eager to make his mark at Old Trafford. With a strong focus on Nkunku, Osimhen and the up-and-coming players, European elite clubs are keen to build good squads ahead of the January window.