Arsenal are reportedly prepared to rival fellow Premier League clubs Manchester United and Liverpool for the signing of RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku.
According to ESPN, RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku is a hot commodity in the transfer market and is attracting interest from top European clubs. As many as five Premier League clubs – Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal – are ready to enter the transfer market for the Frenchman, who is also being monitored by Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Currently rated at €75 million, Nkunku was deemed surplus to requirements at PSG and was sold to Leipzig in 2019 after failing to cement a spot in the French giants’ first team. The attacking midfielder settled in the Bundesliga nicely following his €13 million move, almost immediately becoming an integral part of the Leipzig side.
Since joining the German side, Nkunku has made 123 appearances for them, scoring 38 and assisting 42 times. The versatile player can play as a central midfielder, orchestrating play from the centre of the park, and also as the number 10. He has also been deployed in the left-wing, right-wing, second striker and centre-forward roles.
With such flexibility and a solid 2021/22 season so far that has seen him score 15 and assist 11 goals in the Bundesliga Nkunku has naturally emerged as one of the most sought-after players ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Arsenal have now entered the race to sign Nkunku from RB Leipzig in the summer. The north London club are undergoing a major rebuild under manager Mikel Arteta and have identified multiple positions to strengthen in the summer. Nkunku’s versatility will aid the Spanish tactician and he could be the player Arteta can build his team around.
Manchester United, too, are in desperate need of an overhaul this summer, and with a new manager arriving, signings like Nkunku will send a strong signal to other clubs. With Paul Pogba set to depart on a free transfer, the ex-PSG ace can be seen as a replacement for his compatriot at Old Trafford.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are eager to strengthen their attack and midfield departments in the summer. James Milner and Jordan Henderson are ageing, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is staring at an uncertain future. Furthermore, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah’s contracts expire in 2023, leading to concerns. It makes Nkunku a viable target, whose ability to play across the frontline will be beneficial for the Reds.
The France star’s contract with Leipzig runs until 2024, but the aforementioned ESPN report claims that the club could be convinced to sell him this summer for around €75 million. Nkunku and his entourage are hoping that the club will accept a bid in the region of €60 million. It remains to be seen where the 24-year-old ends up come summer.
