Man United targets frustrated Chelsea forward but Blues reluctant to sell

French forward Christopher Nkunku has emerged as a potential target for Manchester United, with the 27-year-old showing interest in a possible switch from Chelsea. The talented attacker, who made his move to Stamford Bridge from RB Leipzig in 2023, is growing dissatisfied with his limited Premier League appearances during the current campaign.

Despite being brought in as a versatile attacking option capable of operating across multiple positions, Nkunku has found himself on the fringes of Chelsea's first team. Manager Enzo Maresca's preference for Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, and Pedro Neto in attacking roles has left the Frenchman with minimal opportunities to showcase his abilities in league matches.

His sole Premier League start and single goal this season paint a clear picture of his situation, though he has managed to find the net 10 times across all competitions, primarily in cup competitions and the Europa Conference League.

Chelsea's reluctance to sell

The Blues have taken a strong position against selling their prolific scorer, particularly to a Premier League competitor. With the club still competing on multiple fronts, Maresca values Nkunku's contributions in European competitions and wants to maintain squad harmony following extensive summer transfers.

The financial aspects of any potential deal present significant hurdles. Nkunku's contract at Chelsea runs until June 2029, and the club would expect around £52 million for his services in January. His current weekly wages of £300,000 could also pose challenges for Manchester United's wage structure, requiring careful financial planning to accommodate such a move.

Manchester United's need for a reliable forward

Under new head coach Ruben Amorim, who took charge in November, Manchester United are actively seeking solutions to their goal-scoring problems. The Red Devils' current striking options, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, have only contributed three goals between them this season, highlighting the team's offensive struggles.

While Amorim considers shifting Marcus Rashford to a central position, the club continues to explore additional attacking options. Nkunku's ability to play multiple positions makes him an ideal candidate for Amorim's tactical setup. Football Insider reports that Nkunku could welcome a move to Old Trafford if it guarantees regular Premier League action.

The situation remains complex. Manchester United's interest is clear, but Chelsea's reluctance to strengthen a rival, combined with Nkunku's significant contributions in cup competitions, makes any potential transfer challenging.