For £35m, INEOS could finally hand Amorim the “hybrid connector” he’s long craved for his attack – report

With Christopher Nkunku now available for transfer, all eyes are on Manchester United to see whether they will act on the opportunity.

Back in the winter transfer window, reports claimed United were keen to secure the Frenchman on a loan deal, but the move ultimately fell through.

In May, GMS suggested that United boss Rúben Amorim was a keen admirer of Nkunku and eager to leverage the forward’s Premier League experience as part of his Old Trafford rebuild.

Nothing materialised from those claims, yet whispers persist there may be a potential swap deal involving him and United wantaway star Alejandro Garnacho.

Nkunku up for sale

While doubts remain over the feasibility of such a deal, it has now emerged that Chelsea are open to cashing in on the 27-year-old.

The Blues have sealed moves for Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Brighton’s João Pedro.

These new arrivals (particularly the Pedro signing) leave Nkunku surplus to Enzo Maresca’s requirements.

Given how limited his minutes were last season, it is almost inevitable that his game time could diminish further.

Man United among clubs offered his services

As a result, as per The Metro, the former RB Leipzig man is now being offered to other Premier League clubs, United, Arsenal, and Tottenham, with a fee of around £35 million reportedly enough to seal a deal.

Although he did not reach top form at Stamford Bridge last season, he still registered 15 goals and five assists in 45 appearances; these numbers are all the more impressive considering many of those came off the bench.

It was a reminder that the 2021/22 version of Nkunku, the one who delivered a staggering 35 goals and 20 assists in all competitions, is still lurking beneath the surface.

A unique profile

What sets him apart is his hybrid nature. As The Athletic’s Liam Twomey perfectly described:

“Nkunku has always been an unusual footballer—not a true striker, winger or No.10, but a hybrid connector who does his best work somewhere in between.”

That versatility could prove invaluable to a coach like Amorim, who is keen on reshaping United’s attack.

Although it is understood that Nkunku favours a return to the Bundesliga (Bayern Munich is his preferred destination), a move to the Theatre of Dreams could offer the perfect stage to rewrite his Premier League story.

Featured image Francois Nel via Getty Images

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