German outfit RB Leipzig have warned that it will cost Manchester United around £54 million should they wish to prise free-scoring Christopher Nkunku out of the club and take him to Old Trafford this summer.
Manchester United are in desperate need of attacking reinforcements this summer, with Cristiano Ronaldo now 37 years old, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani both set to leave for nothing at the end of the season, and question marks over the futures of Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial.
Marcus Rashford has struggled to get into the United side under Ralf Rangnick. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
With incoming boss Erik Ten Hag favouring a system similar to the high-press offered by RB Leipzig, and Ralf Rangnick’s connections with the club, a move for Nkunku makes sense even before his impressive season is considered.
The Frenchman, who made his national team debut this season, has scored 30 goals and provided 19 assists in 44 games across all competitions for his side, while his versatility has seen him play on either wing, as a number 10, or as a striker.
Can a move be done?
In theory, yes. But German outlet Bild suggests that even should the demanded fee be met, it could be a difficult deal to get over the line. They suggest that because his two national team caps don’t qualify him as a top foreigner, meaning that there would need to be approval from the Premier League governing body.
Additionally, there are question marks over just how secure his position in Didier Deschamp’s French squad is, and whether a move to Manchester United just three months before a World Cup would boost or hinder his progress for Les Blues. Looking at the plight of Jadon Sancho, it could well be the latter.
Nonetheless, at £54 million, for Manchester United the move would make sense, provided that they can convince the player.
