Krishnan Sreekumar
Chelsea to challenge Manchester United to RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku
According to Foot Mercato (h/t Express), Chelsea has joined the transfer race in the summer to secure the services of RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Christopher Nkunku, who is thought to be a top transfer target for Manchester United.
Man United’s struggles in attack is no secret this season, with our forwards not able to find the back of the net despite being presented with several opportunities. Cristiano Ronaldo, who was signed to score goals, has gone missing recently and a new goalscoring outlet needs to be brought in.
Nkunku could provide the solution to these issues that the Red Devils are facing, with the player having an incredible season in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, who sit in fifth place, largely due to his goalscoring exploits.
Nkunku has been directly involved in 35 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions this season, which are staggering numbers, keeping in mind we are only in March in the current campaign. It is no wonder that the Old Trafford side, who are low on figures like this, are keen on the star.
Nkunku wanted by European heavyweights
The Frenchman is said to be aiming to make his debut for the senior national team later this year, especially with the 2022 World Cup approaching. Despite having a stellar record in Germany this term, the player could look to perhaps move to a bigger club in an attempt to catch the eye of Didier Deschamps if he fails to make the cut for his country.
At club level, the 24-year-old has created enough buzz for Chelsea to become the latest team to join other European clubs such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain to sign Nkunuku in the summer. However, he will not come cheap, as he is valued by Leipzig at a whopping £62m.
While Man United have their own problems in front of the goal, Chelsea are not doing too well in the forward department either. Romelu Lukaku was brought back to Stamford Bridge this season to fire the Blues to glory with his goals, but the Belgian has failed to replicate the form he showed at Inter Milan last season.
Timo Werner is another problem for Thomas Tuchel’s team, with the former Leipzig star still not finding his scoring boots after nearly two years at the club. However, Chelsea’s problems pale in comparison to Man United’s as the Blues are still finding goals from other outlets this term, while the Red Devils have struggled in that respect.
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Bruno Fernandes is usually our go-to player for goals and assists, but he too has looked frustrated and out of ideas recently. Perhaps it could be down to the fact that he is overplayed as we have no other attacking midfield stars to rely on, and in such an instance, we need more stars like him in the squad.
Nkunku’s name is the first to pop in mind in this situation, and the player has the numbers to back himself up. Though it is no guarantee that a Bundesliga star can adapt quickly to the Premier League and thrive, our lack of goals may force us into splashing the cash on the Frenchman and taking a risk on him next season.
