Chelsea and Man Utd handed blow as Nkunku rules out 2023 transfer

James Shearman

Updated: 15 Jul 2022 16:13 CDT
3 min read

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

Christopher Nkunku has ruled out leaving RB Leipzig at the end of the 2022-23 season.

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Nkunku put an end of rumours of an exit this summer by signing a new contract weeks ago, so interested clubs knew they had to wait at least a season.

However, the Frenchman, who scored 35 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions last campaign, has now confirmed that he is not interested in leaving next season either.

"I did not renew to leave the club next year," said Nkunku, as reported by AS.

The news comes as a blow to the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United, who were thought to be monitoring the situation closely.

So, here are three alternatives to Nkunku that the two Premier League sides could look at instead.

Nkunku alternatives for Chelsea and Man Utd

Florian Wirtz has emerged as one of the breakout youngsters in the Bundesliga this season, scoring seven goals and getting ten assists for Leverkusen

The 19-year-old has already received four caps for Germany and excelled in the Europa League before picking up a season-ending injury in March.

However, with Wirtz still having four years left on his contract and Leverkusen also securing Champions League football next season, it would surely take an astronomical fee for any side to sign him.

James Maddison has enjoyed his best season for Leicester, having grabbed 12 goals and eight assists in the league and could be tempted move to a bigger club.

🚨 NEW: #thfc are very seriously considering James Maddison. | @pokeefe1
— Daily Hotspur (@Daily_Hotspur) July 15, 2022

With Leicester failing to qualify for European football, Maddison could leave the Foxes in order to break into the England setup.

Manchester United have previously shown interest in the 25-year-old and may offer him a chance to make a step up in his career.

With 15 goal contributions in Ligue 1 this season, Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta is another player who has attracted interest from abroad.

The 25-year-old has been strongly linked with a £50m move to Newcastle however he has yet to show any desire of leaving the French side.

While he has largely played in attacking midfield for Lyon, Paqueta is capable of playing deeper or out wide and was part of the Brazil that won the Copa America in 2019.