Man Utd lining up move for "world-class" £52m star, 20yo could depart in separate deal - report
Manchester United are poised to bolster their frontline with multiple signings this summer.
The Red Devils have already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The club are also negotiating the transfer of Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo and have tabled an improved offer for the Cameroon international.
L’Equipe yesterday claimed that United had made contact with the representative of Chelsea playmaker Christopher Nkunku. The Telegraph have added to the story.
United and Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Nkunku and Alejandro Garnacho, respectively, but the prospect of a swap deal is unlikely on the cards.
Instead, the clubs could negotiate separate deals with the Profit and Sustainability Rules in mind.
United’s director of recruitment Christopher Vivell could play a crucial part for the same, having worked as the technical director for Chelsea and Leipzig.
Vivell knows Nkunku from his time at Leipzig and was key to bringing him to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2023 for a package worth £52 million.
Nkunku would not be an upgrade on Garnacho
Garnacho made 21 goal contributions for the Red Devils across all competitions last season compared to Nkunku’s 19 goal involvements for the Blues.
However, the duo were not consistent enough in the Premier League. Nkunku played (910) less than twice the number of minutes as Garnacho (2,200), but we are not convinced of his credentials.
The Frenchman, described as ‘world-class‘ by Bundesliga.com, had an injury-plagued debut campaign at Chelsea in 2023/24. He was anticipated to step up in his second year but has played second fiddle to Nicolas Jackson upfront under manager Enzo Maresca.
Despite this, he picked up a knock towards the end of the league season. Nkunku has struggled with the transition from the Bundesliga to the Premier League, a similar challenge faced by Jadon Sancho.
He is 27 years of age, and there is not much scope for a turnaround. Meanwhile, Garnacho does not feature in manager Ruben Amorim’s plans. The 20-year-old is expected to leave this summer.
However, the Mancunian giants should not sell one of their best academy talents for a player who may soon be past his prime.
If United are eyeing another forward after Cunha and Mbeumo, they should pursue a younger winger with plenty of potential.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .