Man Utd face Nkunku threat as Chelsea ace 'considers January options'

Tom Weber

Updated: 25 Nov 2024 10:22 CST
3 min read

Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea, Man Utd, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Manchester United face competition from Borussia Dortmund for the signature of Christopher Nkunku, according to a report.

Article continues under the video

The Frenchman is frustrated at Chelsea over his lack of Premier League game time and the weekend's fixture against Leicester will have done little to make him more content at Stamford Bridge.

Nkunku again found himself relegated to the bench before making a brief substitute appearance in the 2-1 over the Foxes, which would ultimately cost Steve Cooper his job.

Speculation surrounding the Frenchman has been ongoing for a few weeks following the revelation that Nkunku could seek a summer exit should his situation not improve.

Since then, it has been claimed that he could even jump ship already in January, with Man Utd heavily linked. Though these reports were recently rubbished, fresh claims suggest that a winter exit is possible.

Dortmund keen on Nkunku

TEAMtalk reiterates that Man Utd are eyeing a potential January swoop for the 27-year-old but also adds Borussia Dortmund as a potential suitor.

It is claimed that the German giants could make a move if Chelsea were to indicate a willingness to allow Nkunku to leave the club on loan. The Frenchman previously starred for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga but is significantly more expensive following his €60 million transfer to Chelsea.

Nkunku is thought to be Chelsea's fourth-highest earner on an annual wage of €12.2 million, which would make him Borussia Dortmund's best-paid player by quite some distance.

Chelsea would likely have to shoulder some of his salary in the event of a loan, but it is doubtful whether they would be willing to do this given that Nkunku is the first-choice striker option of their 'B Team.'

The Blues are determined to win some silverware this term and would be foolish to weaken themselves for the Conference League or the cup competitions.

Either way, it is claimed that Nkunku is 'unhappy and seriously considering his options ahead of the January window.' A permanent transfer is unlikely before the summer.