Manchester United’s summer started sharp. They wasted no time in triggering Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m release clause at Wolves.
That was a big move, one fans had been hoping for, especially after how toothless United looked in front of goal last season.
But after that early buzz, it’s been quiet. They’re locked in talks with Brentford for Bryan Mbeumo, who bagged 20 goals last season, but Brentford’s asking price is
pushing close to £70m and United aren’t biting yet.
With the season creeping closer, United still look short up front. Hojlund and Zirkzee managed just seven goals between them in the Premier League last term, and that’s not going to cut it if United want to compete again.
That’s where Christopher Nkunku’s name has suddenly come up. According to reports in Spain and England, Man United are looking closely at the Chelsea attacker and this one could move fast if United are ready to meet Chelsea’s price. Word is, they want around £35 million to let the Frenchman go.
For both clubs, this could be a deal that makes sense. But only if they act quickly.
Why Are United Interested?
The need for goals at Old Trafford is obvious. They weren’t just missing chances last season they weren’t creating enough. And when they did, no one looked confident in front of goal.
Bringing in Cunha helped, but there’s still space for someone with creativity and sharp finishing.
Nkunku, at his best, is exactly that type of player.
He was a menace at RB Leipzig. Across his final two seasons there, he scored 35 league goals and added plenty of assists, often playing as a second striker or even dropping into midfield.
He’s quick, clever, and cool when it matters the kind of forward United have been crying out for.
Anyone who watched Leipzig in 2021 or 2022 knows how dangerous he was. Fans over there literally called him “unplayable” some nights.
He lit up the Bundesliga even bagged the Player of the Season award in 2022. That alone tells you everything.
But since moving to England, he hasn’t quite got going. Can he rediscover that fire? That’s the real question now.
What Went Wrong at Chelsea?
Let’s be honest his time at Chelsea hasn’t really worked out. And to be fair, it’s not all on him. He picked up a nasty injury just before the season kicked off. Horrible timing. By the time he was fit again, Pochettino had changed things around, and the squad had settled without him.
Then came Nicolas Jackson, then Cole Palmer. Those two made their mark, and Nkunku never really got back in.
He returned, but most of his minutes came in the cups or off the bench nothing meaningful. In the league, he barely got a sniff. Just nine appearances all season.
Even so, he still managed 15 goals in all competitions, which ain’t bad when you think about how little he played. The raw stats aren’t awful the problem was he never had a real run in big matches.
Frustration's building. And Chelsea? They’re ready to let him go. With FFP breathing down their necks and the squad bloated, they’re looking to offload anyone who isn’t vital especially those on big wages.
That’s where United might step in.
Why It Could Work for Everyone
From United’s point of view, £35m for someone with Nkunku’s ceiling is a no-brainer. They’re being asked to pay nearly twice that for Mbeumo. And the likes of Osimhen or Watkins would cost even more.
Plus, they’ve got other holes to fill, a midfielder, a centre-back. So the money has to stretch.
For Nkunku, it’s a chance to wipe the slate clean, new dressing room new manager, new system. He wouldn’t be buried on the bench like he was at Chelsea.
At United, he'd likely walk straight into the starting XI especially with Rashford’s future still up in the air and Antony blowing hot and cold.
And for Chelsea, it’s about business. They’ve already signed fresh attackers like Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Liam Delap. Nkunku doesn’t seem to be central to what Enzo Maresca is building. Offloading him frees up wages and brings in cash.
What the Reports Say
According to Fichajes, United “want to sign” Nkunku and are actively exploring the deal. Chelsea have supposedly “set a firm price” at £35m.
Simon Jones from TeamTalk also noted that Chelsea told United he’s available, and United have put him on their list of summer targets.
Meanwhile, Football Insider added that Chelsea are “confident” about recouping a good fee, and that there’s interest from clubs abroad too. Bayern Munich and Juventus are said to be watching, and PSG his old club might even make a quiet move.
But right now, it’s United who seem furthest along.
Fan Reactions
United fans on socials are quietly buzzing. One person on X said:
“If we get Nkunku fit and confident, that’s a 20-goal forward right there. £35m is a steal.”
Another fan wrote:
“I don’t care what happened at Chelsea. That guy is class. We don’t need another Antony situation where we miss out and regret it later.”
Chelsea fans are split. Some wish he’d been given more minutes. Others are fine seeing him leave. A Reddit comment summed it up:
“Nkunku’s a baller, no doubt. But he hasn’t clicked here. Let him go shine elsewhere.”
The Bigger Picture at United
Let’s be real: United finished 15th last season, It was a mess. No trophies, no rhythm, no fight.
They need to shake things up not just with tactics, but with character. The squad looked flat.
Nkunku brings something fresh. He’s sharp, brave, and always looking to create. But most of all he’s got a point to prove. And United need guys like that. Players who are hungry.
This isn’t about buying hype. It’s about rebuilding a team that can actually fight again. And at 26, Nkunku is in his prime. Not too raw, not past it. He’s right in that sweet spot.
Potential Roadblocks
Of course, there are hurdles.
First is the budget. If United go big on Mbeumo or someone else, can they still splash £35m on Nkunku?
Then there’s wages. He’s on solid money at Chelsea. United would need to match it, or get creative. But if someone like Sancho or even Rashford leaves, it frees up space.
Chelsea’s stance could be tricky too. Even if they’ve set a price, they might prefer selling outside the league so they’re not strengthening a rival. PSG could swoop in late and throw a wrench into the deal.
Still, United seem to have the clearest path right now.
What Happens If It Goes Through?
Let’s say it happens.
Nkunku joins United. He slots in just behind Cunha, with Bruno and Garnacho around him. Suddenly, that front line looks more dangerous. There’s pace, vision, and unpredictability.
He adds depth too. If there’s an injury, he steps up. If they go two up top no problem. If it’s a big night in Europe, he’s got the quality.
It’s not the flashiest signing of the window. It’s not some massive £100m superstar. But it’s clever. And United could use more clever transfers these days.
Wanderlustsport Verdict
In a transfer window full of chaos and price tags that don’t make sense, this Nkunku deal actually feels like it does.
• United need goals.
• Nkunku needs a restart.
• Chelsea need cash.
There’s a fair fee on the table. Both clubs seem open. And there’s still time before pre-season gets serious.
If United really want to get back into the top four and stop being a mid-table side, this is the kind of move they should be making low-risk, high-reward, and all about the football.