Rivals hand INEOS fresh chance to sign £35m striker who Amorim asked for shortly after taking charge — report

The links between Christopher Nkunku and Manchester United refuse to go away.

Chelsea are actively trying to offload the Frenchman, and all signs point towards Old Trafford as a likely destination.

Nkunku may have flopped at Chelsea, especially when compared to the lethal form he showed in Germany before his move, but United still appear to see something in him.

Winter interest that went nowhere

Back in the winter transfer window, United attempted to strike a deal.

However, their loan offer failed to convince the player, who may have preferred a permanent exit.

So, the former RB Leipzig man remained at Stamford Bridge.

For many, though, that failed winter exit felt more like a transfer pause.

With Enzo Maresca not a fan, Nkunku is expected to be sold this summer.

Nkunku price set

There were recent claims that Nkunku was being offered around, and now The Mirror have added an intriguing twist.

They report that the 27-year-old is on United’s striker shortlist and that Chelsea have told INEOS they’re willing to let him go for as little as £35 million.

Signed for £52 million just two years ago, the Blues, who continue to capture any available attacking talent, no longer see him as essential.

With Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens all signed, Maresca reportedly views Nkunku as surplus to requirements.

Rare start vs Palmeiras

Interestingly, even as Chelsea touted him around, Nkunku was handed a rare start in their Club World Cup quarter-final against Palmeiras.

Chelsea won 2–1, but unfortunately for Nkunku, he failed to impress, which was not ideal given his desire to move away.

Goal gave him a 5/10 rating for his performance, noting: “Got a start at his preferred position, and didn’t do loads with it. Could be his last game in a Chelsea shirt.”

Nkunku needs a fresh start. Perhaps a move to Manchester, if United decide to take him up for £35 million, could offer just that.

It’s a shame that the 2021–22 version of Nkunku, who racked up 20 goals and 13 assists in 34 Bundesliga games, never truly arrived in the Premier League over the past two seasons.

Could we see him next season in the famous red and white of United?

That remains to be seen, especially with INEOS already having a player in Joshua Zirkzee, who offers a similar profile.

However, if they’re willing to gamble on Nkunku rediscovering his brilliance, it could be a risk worth taking.

Featured image Francois Nel via Getty Images

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