Since starting Chelsea's opening game of the season against Manchester City, things have not quite gone to plan for Christopher Nkunku.
One of the Blues' most impressive performers in pre-season, he has failed to start in the last 10 league games. With discontent brewing over his place at the club, one Premier League rival is poised to take on the Frenchman.
After reports emerged of Nkunku's unhappiness over his playing time at Chelsea, Manchester United have now emerged as the favourites to sign the attacking midfielder.
He has only made 31 appearances in all competitions since joining Chelsea for £52 million at the start of last season. Although a move seems unlikely given that the Frenchman's contract runs until 2029, a lack of game time and a stagnation of Nkunku's career may force his hand. Multiple clubs are lining up to snatch the player, should he decide to leave.
Christopher Nkunku next club odds
Below are all the teams vying for the chance to sign Christopher Nkunku. A hot prospect at RB Leipzig, his career has faltered somewhat at Chelsea, so a move away could be what is needed to get it back on track.
Team | Best odds |
---|---|
To stay at Chelsea |
1/2 |
Man United |
5/2 |
RB Leipzig |
12/1 |
PSG |
14/1 |
Any Saudi Arabian team |
14/1 |
Tottenham |
25/1 |
Aston Villa |
25/1 |
Inter Milan |
25/1 |
AC Milan |
33/1 |
Man City |
40/1 |
Current favourites if Nkunku leaves Chelsea
Manchester United – 5/2
With a new era beginning under Ruben Amorim, it is the Red Devils who have been touted as favourites to sign Nkunku. With Bruno Fernandes currently their only true option for the number 10 role, it would make sense that the club may dip into the transfer market to find competition for their club captain.
Nkunku's versatility also helps the situation, as he is capable of being deployed in the striker role, a position which has haunted Man United for many seasons. Joshua Zirkzee is rumoured to be prepared for a loan move in January, and Rasmus Hojlund is yet to truly hit a good run of form at Old Trafford.
At 5/2, Man United seem the most likely team to be able to secure Nkunku's signature and bring him to the North. With the team in 13th place, Amorim may be one of the managers more willing to bring in January reinforcements. 5/2 is worth a shot in the current market.
RB Leipzig – 12/1
A shocking turn of events would be if Nkunku were to return to the club where he experienced the most success. Nkunku departed RB Leipzig for £52 million, but had enjoyed four seasons with the German side, making 172 appearances. Across the Frenchman's final two seasons with Leipzig, he accrued 58 goals and 23 assists in all competitions, a mightily impressive return.
The club are also currently challenging for the Bundesliga title, sat in second place in the league, but five points adrift of Bayern Munich. The reintroduction of their former talisman could be what is needed to close the gap on their rivals, given how prolific Nkunku had proven to be in Germany.
However, with his Chelsea contract running until 2029, Leipzig are very much outsiders to re-sign the Frenchman, and do not provide great value at 12/1.
PSG – 14/1
The club where it all started for Nkunku have emerged as a potential suitor the player. Having come through the PSG academy, the Frenchman featured 78 times in the French capital, but never really nailed down a starting spot. A move to RB Leipzig was what kick-started his career, but it is undeniable that coming through the ranks at France's top club will have had a profound impact on his development.
Furthermore, 14/1 odds do not seem likely though, especially when considering manager Luis Enrique prefers to play a flat 4-3-3 formation, which does not exactly suit Nkunku's attributes. PSG seem a poor choice to secure Nkunku, despite being in the race.