Man Utd ‘begin talks’ with Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku over transfer

Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku has fallen down the pecking order under boss Enzo Maresca and Manchester United are now reportedly ready to give him an escape route from Stamford Bridge

Manchester United have opened talks to sign forward Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea, according to reports from France.

Ruben Amorim is desperate to overhaul his struggling frontline after being left frustrated with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee last season as the pair netted just seven Premier League goals between them.

The Portuguese boss has already secured the services of Matheus Cunha in a £62.5m deal from Wolves but he will need more competition up front if he is to overturn the fortunes of his side, who finished 15th in the Premier League.

And as reported by L’Equipe, United have already made enquiries over Chelsea’s out-of-favour forward Nkunku.

Nkunku has had a difficult time at Stamford Bridge since his £53m move in 2023. He spent much of his first season on the sidelines through injury while he started just nine times in the Premier League in 2024-25.

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The France international still showed his true quality with 14 goals in all competitions – mainly through cup competitions – though Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca still doesn’t seem convinced by him.

Nkunku failed to impress during a tricky period where he was the only recognised forward at the club when Nicolas Jackson was injured. Maresca started him in a 0-0 draw at Brentford in April but was benched at half time after missing a big chance and losing the ball a number of times.

Still, United are keen to do a deal for the player and have reached out to his entourage to discuss a possible transfer – with Nkunku eager to leave the London club.

The report goes on to say that United are still hoping to sign two more attacking players as they also look to wrap up a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.

United have had a £55m deal rejected for Mbeumo, while Tottenham are waiting in the wings to swoop – bolstered by the arrival of his former manager Thomas Frank.

But United’s hopes of tempting Brentford with another bid have been complicated by the Bees wanting the majority of the forward’s fee to be paid up front, rather than in instalments.

Mbeumo’s preference is thought to be United over Spurs, but he is open to the north London side – who can offer him Champions League football after beating Manchester United in the Europa League final.

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