Man United to make opening salvo in their pursuit of 35-goal Chelsea target

Transfer News: Manchester United ready a transfer bid for Chelsea target Christopher Nkunku

According to Sky Sports Germany (h/t The Metro), Manchester United are readying a bid for Chelsea target Christopher Nkunku as early as next week.

The Frenchman has been one of the finest strikers in the German Bundesliga this season, netting an incredible 35 goals and 20 assists in just 51 appearances. Chelsea have struggled to see their frontmen find the back of the net and could with a player of Nkunu’s attributes.

The 24-year-old’s ability to not just lead the line but also drop deeper into midfield to act as an attacking midfielder will aid Thomas Tuchel’s system. This should allow the Blues to make better use of their wingers who can then overlap opposition defences.

Nkunku at 24 is on the verge of entering his prime and can be a real long-term asset for the best sides in football. It is difficult to not see giants of the game make a move for him, especially after the numbers he has put up this season.

Man United will have an excellent idea of the Frenchman’s abilities thanks to Ralf Rangnick. They are now keen to rebuild under Erik ten Hag and are preparing a move for Nkunku. Whether this will lead to Chelsea missing out on a special player remains to be seen.

Leipzig for their part are not keen to sell their star man. The player’s contract in Germany runs until 2024, meaning Leipzig does have enough leeway in negotiations. Hopefully, it will be enough to keep Man United at bay as we consider our options.

Chelsea are currently undergoing sanctions following Roman Abramovich’s relationship with Vladimir Putin. Thankfully the UK government has now cleared the way for Todd Boehly to purchase Chelsea, meaning that the club will not have to sit helplessly on the sidelines for long.

Bringing in a player of Nkunku’s standard would not be a bad way for the American to kick-start his reign at Stamford Bridge.

More Chelsea News

• Chelsea and Thomas Tuchel will be given a transfer budget of £200million by Todd Boehly in the summer window
• Transfer News: Aurelien Tchouameni is keen on joining Real Madrid in the summer
• Chelsea are interested in signing Italian defender Alessandro Bastoni

Both Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner have struggled for goals this season. Chelsea will find it difficult to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool unless they bring in an infallible goalscorer. Nkunku can be that man and it remains to be seen if he dons the famous Blue, come this summer.