Christopher Nkunku has agreed to rejoin RB Leipzig this summer, with Milan demanding between €33m and €35m to allow the French forward to leave San Siro.
The France international has “said yes” to returning to his former club, marking a significant step towards a swift departure just one year after arriving from Chelsea. Negotiations between the Serie A side and the Bundesliga outfit are set to continue over the weekend.
Leipzig lead the chase
RB Leipzig currently lead the race for Nkunku’s signature, though Newcastle United have also been mentioned as potential suitors. The German club view the attacker as a priority target as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the new campaign.
Milan are standing firm on their valuation as they look to offload a player who has fallen out of favour. The 27-year-old is considered surplus to requirements under newly-appointed head coach Ruben Amorim and is widely expected to exit before the transfer window closes.
Swift San Siro exit
Nkunku joined Milan last summer in a deal worth €37m plus bonuses potentially rising to €4m-€5m. However, his debut season in Italy proved underwhelming by his standards. He managed seven goals and three assists from 32 Serie A appearances, plus one strike in two Coppa Italia outings.
The forward earns a net salary of approximately €5m per season, a significant outlay for a player no longer central to the club’s plans. The Rossoneri are open to either a permanent transfer or a loan with an option or obligation to buy at the agreed price.
While Leipzig appear to be the frontrunners, the final structure of the deal remains under discussion. Italian reports suggest the clubs are currently exploring a temporary move with an option to purchase, though Milan’s firm stance on the €35m valuation could prove a sticking point in talks.