Manchester City have reportedly opened talks to explore the possibility of signing Christopher Nkunku, who is also a transfer target for Real Madrid.
According to a report from SportBILD, as relayed by The Sun, Manchester City have made an enquiry with German giants RB Leipzig for the signing of Christopher Nkunku, who is also on the radars of Real Madrid.
A product of the Paris Saint-Germain youth academy, Nkunku was regarded as one of the brightest young jewels at the French capital outfit. However, the 23-year-old left Parc des Princes in 2019 in search of regular game-time, and the switch to RB Leipzig has worked a treat for him as he has developed into one of the best young attacking midfielders in Europe.
To date, Nkunku has featured 101 times for Die Roten Bullen, scoring 23 goals and setting up 34 more. The Frenchman has been in particularly impressive form in the ongoing campaign, producing a brilliant tally of 11 goals and seven assists from just 17 matches across all competitions.
Nkunku’s development over the past couple of years in Leipzig hasn’t gone unnoticed, with several top clubs across Europe casting admiring glances towards the 23-year-old. Manchester City have emerged as suitors for the former PSG prodigy after being impressed by his performances when they came up against RB Leipzig in the UEFA Champions League this season.
Nkunku grabbed a hat-trick even as the Bundesliga side were thrashed 6-3 by the Premier League champions back in September. But the Frenchman seems to have made an impression on Pep Guardiola & co., who are ready to step up their interest in the 23-year-old. As per the report, the Cityzens have lodged an enquiry with Leipzig and plan to open contract talks with the midfielder.
Considering that Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling are both seeking exits from the Etihad Stadium and Kevin De Bruyne has entered into his thirties, it would be time for Manchester City to start preparing for the future. And Nkunku, who is versatile enough to play as a central attacking midfielder, out on the flanks or even as a wing-back, would be a fine addition.
However, Manchester City will need to stave off competition from La Liga bigwigs Real Madrid, who also hold a strong interest in the 23-year-old. The Merengues are getting ready for life after Luka Modric, with the Croatian superstar very much in the twilight of his career. In addition, with the futures of Isco, Dani Ceballos uncertain, there will be space in the midfield unit at the Bernabeu that Nkunku can fill.
Apart from Manchester City and Real Madrid, Juventus and PSG are also keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, while Arsenal are also long-term admirers. RB Leipzig, for their part, would be open to selling him for a big fee as they eye a huge profit after having bought Nkunku for around £11.7 million in 2019.
Manchester City seem to have taken a step ahead of the rest of the suitors by initiating talks. But it remains to be seen who among the host of European bigwigs can sign the Frenchman.