AC Milan have informed Christopher Nkunku that he is free to leave the club just one year after his arrival from Chelsea, as manager Ruben Amorim finalises his squad for the upcoming season. The French forward is among a group of players who have been told they are surplus to requirements following a meeting between Amorim and owner Gerry Cardinale at the Milanello training ground.
The decision follows the team’s return from their pre-season tour, which concluded with a 3-0 defeat to Chelsea. Amorim used the friendly fixtures to evaluate his squad before compiling a list of departures. Despite featuring for 45 minutes in each of the last two matches against Inter Milan and his former club Chelsea, and scoring the equaliser in the 1-1 draw with Inter, the 28-year-old has failed to convince the Portuguese coach he has a long-term role.
Short-lived San Siro stay
Nkunku arrived in Lombardy last summer for a fee of €37 million plus up to €5 million in add-ons, joining from the Premier League with significant expectations. The former Paris Saint-Germain academy graduate made 35 appearances across all competitions during his debut campaign, starting 17 of those matches. He contributed eight goals and three assists, proving decisive on 11 occasions, but struggled to establish himself as a key figure in the side.
His departure would mark a fourth club in as many years for the attacker, who previously represented RB Leipzig and Chelsea after leaving PSG.
Broader squad overhaul
Nkunku is not the only high-profile name facing the exit. Amorim has also informed Youssouf Fofana, Fikayo Tomori and defender David Odogu that they must find new clubs. Additionally, the club would consider offers for Rafael Leão, Santiago Giménez and Pervis Estupiñán should suitable bids arrive.
The clear-out comes despite significant recent investment. Milan spent approximately €80 million to secure Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain earlier in the window, while also recruiting defenders Mario Gila and Sankhoun Diawara. With the transfer window remaining open, Nkunku will now seek a club where he can secure the regular minutes that appear unlikely to materialise at the San Siro.