Latest developments
- Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku is a target for Manchester United.
- Nkunku is reportedly unhappy with his gametime at Stamford Bridge.
- A move back to Germany with Borussia Dortmund may be an option.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3/5): Sources close to the player
Man Utd are exploring the possibility of signing Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea in the January window, with the Frenchman unhappy with his low playing time under Enzo Maresca.
That is coming to us from teamtalk.com, who claim their source is close to the player, who apparently could also be heading back to Germany, with Borussia Dortmund interested in the 27-year-old.
Value (3.5/5): Question marks over return to form
A long-term injury almost immediately after arriving in London in 2023 ruined Nkunku's start to life at Chelsea, and he is yet to recover his brilliant goalscoring form from his time at RB Leipzig.
That has seen his valuation drop from €80 million to €65 million as he has been used sporadically this season, and Chelsea might be forced to cut their losses and sell him for less than the €60 million they paid.
Suitability (3/5): Not the best fit for Amorim
Best as a second-striker or attacking-midfielder, it is hard to see where exactly Nkunku would fit into Ruben Amorim's 4-3-3 at Old Trafford.
Although, he can play up front and does now have some Premier League experience, which would be beneficial. He may only have one Premier League goal this season, but he has only started once, and has 10 goals in all competitions, suggesting he is still lethal when given a proper chance.
Upgrade? (2.5/5): Not easy to judge
An upgrade where, exactly? An upgrade on Bruno Fernandes as an attacking-midfielder? Not really. An upgrade on United's second-strikers? Well, they don't have any, which would be good if Amorim used one, but he doesn't.
An upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee up front? Possibly, but United are targeting out-and-out centre forwards in January.
Logic (2/5): Germany a safer bet
With lots of uncertainty surrounding his ability to hack it in the Premier League and his usefulness to Man Utd, we can imagine that a move to Borussia Dortmund, heading back to Germany where he played the best football of his career, will look more appealing to Nkunku.
Whisper+ verdict: 14/25
There are a tonne of rumours floating around that will excite Man Utd fans, but this is not one of them.
Nkunku can still be a top quality forward, but there are plenty of other sides he will be better suited to than the Red Devils.
