Man Utd and Chelsea's 2023 summer plans take a blow with Nkunku contract revelation

Cameron Smith

4 Jul 2022 15:56 BST
3 min read

Christopher Nkunku, RB Leipzig, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Manchester United and Chelsea have both been dealt a major blow in their hopes of signing Christopher Nkunku next summer.

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The Frenchman scored 35 goals and assisted a further 20 in all competitions last season, and that electric form saw him linked with the biggest teams in Europe.

Man Utd and Chelsea were interested, as were both Liverpool and Manchester City, but Nkunku opted to stay at RB Leizpig and signed a new contract to keep him at the club until 2026.

That news effectively put a stop to any interest in the forward this summer, but Man Utd and Chelsea were given hope by a release clause that was believed to be included in that new deal.

It was reported that Nkunku's new contract included a €60 million release clause that would allow him to be sold if a bidding club matched that amount, like Man City did to sign Erling Haaland this summer.

As a result, Nkunku was placed on the waiting list for both Man Utd and Chelsea, who were willing to wait until 2023 to conduct business for the France international.

No release clause for Nkunku?

Kicker have now reported that Nkunku's new contract does not have the release clause many thought. In fact, they have revealed the new contract doesn't include any exit clause for next summer.

© ProShots - Christopher Nkunku notched up 55 goal contributions in the 2021/22 season

As a result, he will not be available on the cheap following his contract extension. With a deal that will still have three years left to run next year, all the cards lay with Leipzig, and they won't sell their star for cheap.

After tying down Josko Gvardiol to a new deal as well this summer, the German side have quoted €85m for the Croatian's services, and the Independent have previously reported that Leizpig would demand around €115m to be tempted into selling Nkunku.

That may well rule Man Utd and Chelsea out from signing the player next year, hence ruining their 2023 summer plans.