Chelsea and Manchester City could compete with Real Madrid to sign RB Leipzig attacker Christopher Nkunku next summer, according to Foot Mercato.
The Frenchman has been with the Bundesliga outfit since 2019, and he has taken his game to the next level this term with regular goal contributions.
The 23-year-old has bagged nine goals and three assists from just 10 outings, and his progress has caught the eye of some of Europe’s elite clubs.
Real Madrid are said to be ‘very interested’ in the player. Nkunku shares the same agent as David Alaba in Pini Zahavi. Los Blancos have a good working relationship with him.
However, they are not alone in the player’s pursuit. The Blues and City have also been linked with the services of Nkunku, who started his career at Paris Saint-Germain.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel offered him the most minutes when was the head coach at Parc des Princes, but could not prevent him from leaving for free two years ago.
Our view:
Los Blancos are widely suggested to be planning a spending spree on their attack next summer, with Kylian Mbappe considered the prime target.
However, they may also look to add a playmaker to their ranks. Nkunku could be the ideal fit for them with versatile ability on the playing field.
The Frenchman can play anywhere across the attack or midfield, but he has excelled in the number 10 role.
Similar to Madrid, City are always searching for quality reinforcements. They are loaded with options in the squad, but the scenario could change.
Pep Guardiola has been vocal about the prospect of Bernardo Silva leaving the club. Nkunku could come in as a replacement for the Portuguese.
Meanwhile, the Blues may have the edge over the duo because of Tuchel, who handed him the majority of his 78 appearances at Les Parisiens.
Under Tuchel, Nkunku primarily played in midfield, but he could now have a more progressive role with the London club still in need of improvement.
The club are not short of attacking midfield options, with Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech among the recent big-name signings.
However, they have struggled to find a consistent goal contributor. Ziyech recently came under scrutiny from some fans for his showing at Juventus.
They could make a genuine attempt to land Nkunku if one of the high-profile attackers are shown the exit door at the end of the current campaign.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
Read: Juventus weighing up move for Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.