Manchester United’s search for a striker to reinvigorate their attack has been dealt a serious blow as Christopher Nkunku appears to have agreed to a move to Chelsea.
The Red Devils were heavily linked with the RB Leipzig player before last summer.
It has been suggested that then caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick recommended Nkunku as a prime target for the club.
The 24-year-old showed his goalscoring prowess in the Bundesliga last season, netting 20 times in 34 appearances.
He wasn’t far behind in creativity either, registering 13 assists in those games.
Nkunku achieved those numbers playing in the front row, performing at a high level as a central attacker and as a wing attacker from either flank.
Perhaps Erik ten Hag would have liked to have had a forward of Nkunku’s intelligence in the team, particularly one with such productivity.
However, United’s Premier League rivals appear to have acted decisively in agreeing a move for the former Paris Saint-Germain player.
Chelsea appear keen to snap up Nkunku for a bargain price, with Fabrizio Romano tweeting the following yesterday: “Christopher Nkunku had a medical with Chelsea, confirmed by @BILD.
“Chelsea sent a long-term contract offer to Nkunku to prepare the deal for 2023.
“It’s not done yet as Chelsea and RB Leipzig will talk about the fee: €60m release clause or a different deal structure.”
Christopher Nkunku has been linked with a move to Chelsea. ???????? #CFC
Chelsea sent Nkunku a long-term contract offer to prepare the deal for 2023.
It’s not done yet, as Chelsea and RB Leipzig will talk about the fee: a €60m release clause or a different deal structure. pic.twitter.com/645YGNjsCc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 30, 2022
With the striker market already tight, Manchester United may find it difficult to satisfy Ten Hag’s desire to have “multiple weapons” in their offensive line, having only added Antony to their attacking options over the summer. 
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