RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku has emerged on the radars of La Liga champions Real Madrid with manager Zinedine Zidane believed to be an admirer.
According to a report from Spanish publication Defensa Central, Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid are monitoring RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku as Zinedine Zidane looks to bolster his midfield unit.
The 23-year-old came through the youth ranks at Paris Saint-Germain and made 78 first-team appearances for the club, before moving to RB Leipzig in the summer last year in search of regular first-team action. Since moving to Germany, Nkunku has been hugely impressive, establishing himself as a key member of Julien Nagelsmann’s side.
Till date, Nkunku has featured 60 times for the Bundesliga outfit, scoring eight goals and setting up twenty more in the process. And, it is now being claimed that Real Madrid are closely monitoring the midfielder, with their manager Zinedine Zidane an admirer of the Frenchman.
Indeed, the Los Blancos boss has reportedly been keeping an eye on his compatriot since his youth football days at PSG and has asked scouts are Real Madrid to keep a close track of his progress at RB Leipzig.
While he has largely played as an attacking midfielder at Leipzig, Nkunku can play in a multitude of positions be it on the flanks or as a No.8 as well. In fact, the report compares his abilities in a box-to-box role to Manchester United midfielder and another Real Madrid target, Paul Pogba.
The reigning La Liga champions will soon be in need of bolstering their midfield unit as Luka Modric is in the twilight of his career. While the Croatian has been impressive this season, at 35, he needs to be gradually phased out of Zidane’s first-team.
Toni Kroos, too, is in his thirties, so, the infusion of some youth into the midfield department would be a smart move for Real Madrid. The Merengues are reported to be keen on Manchester City sensation Phil Foden, but Nkunku is also said to be on the club’s radars.
As per the report, the 23-year-old is valued at €30 million, double of what RB Leipzig had paid to sign him last year. However, it is also claimed that while Zidane continues to monitor him, Real Madrid are unlikely to make a move for him in the immediate future. The midfielder himself wouldn’t seek a transfer away from Germany at the moment.
So, as things stand, Real Madrid have an interest in Nkunku and will continue to monitor his development. And based on his progression, the Merengues might consider a swoop when the financial situation at the club has also improved.
