Manchester United are allegedly contemplating whether to make a formal approach for one of Chelsea’s attacking players during the January transfer window.
Manchester United are reportedly open to signing a Chelsea attacker during the January transfer window.
Ruben Amorim officially starts work as the new Red Devils head coach this week having been chosen as the permanent successor to Erik ten Hag.
The Portuguese is joining at a time when United have been able to put together a four-match unbeaten streak caretaker boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
United’s 3-0 victory over Leicester City on Sunday afternoon moved the club into 13th position in the Premier League table heading into the November international break.
Although United were not necessarily convincing against the struggling Foxes, it was their joint-biggest winning margin in the top flight during 2024-25.
Nevertheless, still possessing the joint-fourth worst attacking record in the division, there is clear room for improvement and potential strengthening in the final third.
United to move for Nkunku?
According to L’Equipe, United have already enquired regarding the availability of Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku.
A recent report suggested that the France international would not consider leaving the Blues at the midway point of the campaign.
In sharp contrast, though, the latest report suggests that the 26-year-old is becoming increasingly frustrated with his playing time under Enzo Maresca.
While Nkunku has made eight starts in all competitions during 2024-25, just one of them – on the opening weekend of the season – has come in the Premier League.
Nkunku has now not played longer than 26 minutes in a top-flight fixture for nearly three months.
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Would Chelsea consider a sale?
The report alleges that Chelsea would give consideration to a sale if they received a suitable offer for a player that cost them £52m in the summer of 2023.
Injury and being largely restricted to substitute appearances has left Nkunku with just four goals from his 21 outings in the Premier League.
Chelsea officials are unlikely to allow Nkunku to join United unless they recoup at least £40m, which would be required to avoid making a loss from an amortisation standpoint.
As it stands, it is unclear whether United are able to commit to such a fee at the midway point of the campaign given that their net-spend was in excess of £100m for the previous transfer window.
