Manchester United have only managed to land one major signing so far in this transfer window, a slow start compared to Chelsea’s flurry of activity. The London club has already completed four significant deals to revamp their attacking setup. Now, both clubs could be set to battle it out over Christopher Nkunku, a player previously on United’s radar but priced out due to Chelsea’s hefty £70 million valuation back in January.
That has now changed. Chelsea have dramatically slashed Nkunku’s price tag to £35 million, according to The Mirror, making the move far more feasible for United. The Blues, having invested in new attackers like Estevao and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, seem ready to part ways with the Frenchman, who struggled to cement his place last season under Enzo Maresca — only starting nine Premier League games.
Nkunku’s versatility is one of his biggest selling points. He can thrive in multiple positions — as a second striker, a false nine, a No. 10, or even on the wing. That kind of tactical flexibility is gold dust in modern football, especially for a United side starving for creativity and suffering from inconsistent performances by players like Antony and Sancho.
Let’s not forget, this is a player who tore up the Bundesliga — a Golden Boot winner with RB Leipzig, racking up an impressive tally of 36 goals across two seasons. If he can stay fit and rediscover that form, he could very well transform United’s stagnant attack, providing the flair and finishing they’ve been sorely lacking.
But — and it’s a big but — Nkunku’s injury history raises red flags. Last season was marred by hamstring and knee issues, and when he did appear, he looked far from his best. United know all too well what happens when you gamble on injury-prone talents — just ask Donny van de Beek. Chelsea’s willingness to offload him at a discount might be less generosity and more a red warning light.
There’s also the issue of squad harmony. Nkunku operates in areas already crowded with names like Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho, and potentially even Mason Greenwood (if he returns). Bringing Nkunku in without moving others out could lead to a tactical logjam and dressing room tension. If Ten Hag can’t find a defined role, it could be another case of throwing talent into chaos.
Still, for £35 million, it’s hard not to see the upside. That price is a bargain in today’s market for a player of Nkunku’s pedigree and potential impact. It’s a low-risk, high-reward move — assuming his body holds up and he’s given a clear path to integrate into United’s system without stepping on too many toes.
In the grand scheme, it’s a worthy gamble — but only if United are methodical about it. If they sell Sancho or Greenwood, fail to secure pricier creative midfielders like Joao Neves, or miss out on steadier options like Dani Olmo, Nkunku becomes a steal. But if his injuries resurface and he’s shoved into a disjointed lineup, he’ll become just another expensive misfit.
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