Chelsea Slash Christopher Nkunku’s Asking Price by £22m Amid Manchester United Interest

Chelsea have reduced their asking price for forward Christopher Nkunku by £22 million, setting a new valuation of £43 million (€50 million) for the 27-year-old, who has attracted interest from Manchester United, Bayern Munich, and other clubs. The price drop comes as Chelsea aim to offload the French international, deemed surplus to requirements under manager Enzo Maresca, following a disappointing stint since his £52 million move from RB Leipzig in 2023.

Details of the Transfer Situation
Nkunku, versatile across attacking roles, struggled to secure a regular starting spot at Chelsea, managing only nine Premier League starts last season due to injuries and competition from players like Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer. Despite scoring 16 goals in 43 appearances across all competitions, including five in the Conference League and a goal in Chelsea’s Club World Cup win, his limited role—evidenced by being an unused substitute in the Conference League final—has fueled speculation about his exit. Manchester United, seeking to bolster their attack under Ruben Amorim after a goal-shy 2024/25 season, view Nkunku as a potential fit for his ability to play as a striker or attacking midfielder. However, United’s recent signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, combined with their pursuit of other forwards like Ollie Watkins, may limit their budget, especially after Chelsea’s initial £65 million valuation in January.

Why the Price Drop?
Chelsea’s decision to lower Nkunku’s price reflects their squad overhaul, with new signings Liam Delap (£30 million), Joao Pedro (£55 million), and Jamie Gittens intensifying competition in attack. The club’s need to comply with UEFA financial regulations, following a reduced £27 million fine for past breaches, also plays a role. Interest from Bayern Munich, Newcastle United, and Serie A clubs like Juventus adds pressure to finalize a deal, though Nkunku reportedly prefers a permanent move over a loan. Maresca’s ambiguous comments at the Club World Cup—“If Christo is here, it’s because we think he can help us”—suggest openness to a transfer if the price is met.

Implications for Manchester United
For United, the £43 million price is more attainable than the earlier £65 million, but concerns linger about Nkunku’s injury history and adaptation to the Premier League. His 70 goals and 56 assists in 172 games for RB Leipzig highlight his potential, but his 516 minutes in the 2023/24 Premier League season raise doubts about his suitability for Amorim’s system. United’s failed January loan bid for Nkunku, coupled with their £40 million valuation at the time, indicates a cautious approach, especially after their experience with injury-prone Chelsea signing Mason Mount.

Developing Story
With the transfer window open until September 1, 2025, Chelsea’s lowered price could spark a bidding war, particularly with Bayern Munich monitoring Nkunku as an alternative to Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade. United’s next move depends on their budget and priorities, but Nkunku’s versatility makes him a compelling option. Note: Transfer valuations and interest are based on recent reports, but deals remain speculative until confirmed by clubs.