Man Utd rejected by £52m Chelsea flop this summer | Football

Former Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku snubbed a transfer move to Manchester United to rejoin RB Leipzig on loan this summer, according to reports in Germany.

Nkunku brought his underwhelming two-year stay at Stamford Bridge to an end to sign for AC Milan last summer, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal worth €42million (£36m).

The versatile 28-year-old would go on to register eight goals and three assists in his debut season at the San Siro to help Rossoneri finish fifth in Serie A.

However, Nkunku was deemed surplus to requirements as Ruben Amorim took over the reins from Massimiliano Allegri, prompting the Frenchman’s camp to seek potential opportunities elsewhere.

Leipzig were quickly alerted to the situation, with sporting director Marcel Schafer at the heart of the club’s effort to coax Nkunku back to the Red Bull Arena.

Nkunku enjoyed an exceptional four-season spell with Leipzig from 2019 to 2023, establishing himself as one of the most sought-after attacking players in Bundesliga football while picking up countless individual prizes.

According to German publication Bild, Leipzig chief Schafer ‘constantly asked’ about Nkunku throughout the transfer window, ‘even when strolling through his neighbourhood’, before he eventually got his at the start of last week.

The France international – capped 18 times by Les Bleus – rejoined Leipzig on a one-year loan deal with a €28m (£24m) purchase option from Milan.

The report claims Leipzig’s move was somewhat complicated by strong interest from within the Premier League, with Nkunku ‘turning down’ both Newcastle and Manchester United.

Nkunku made it clear he ‘only wanted’ Leipzig where he remains a fan favourite, three years after his initial spell was brought to a halt.

‘The transfer wouldn’t have happened without Christo’s steadfastness,’ Schafer said of the return of Nkunku, who was named the Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2021/22.

‘Two Premier League clubs were prepared to go to the limit – we wouldn’t have stood a chance.’

Schafer added: ‘It was personally very important to me that we bring in someone with impeccable character, someone who displays an incredible hunger to prove himself to everyone again.

‘And off the pitch, we also need a role model that the young players can look up to.’

Nkunku made his second full debut for Leipzig – following a substitute appearance against Gladbach – in the side’s Bundesliga clash with Werder Bremen on Saturday, playing 84 minutes in a 3-1 away defeat for Martín Demichelis’ men.

The ex-Chelsea and PSG man had been training individually towards the end of his time at Milan and is believed to be working his way back to full match fitness.

Reports of United and Newcastle’s interest may come as a surprise to fans of the Premier League given Nkunku flattered to deceive for the most part at Chelsea, where he finished with 18 goals and five assists to his name following a high-profile £52m move.

Nkunku’s progress with Chelsea was hampered by a series of fitness issues, most notably a serious knee injury which kept him sidelined for three months at the start of the 2023/24 season.

However, during his time in west London, Nkunku got his hands on the Europa Conference League and the Club World Cup under the tutelage of Enzo Maresca, while also picking up a runners-up medal in the Carabao Cup.

After returning to Leipzig, Nkunku said: ‘When I heard of the opportunity, I immediately wanted to say yes. I’m very happy to be back here.

‘I’m in excellent shape and want to help the team as soon as possible and I also can’t wait to once again play in front of our fans at the Red Bull Arena. 

‘My connection to Leipzig is very special. Even after leaving the club, I continued to keep a close eye on what was happening here. I’m now ready to add a new chapter to my time here at RBL.

‘During my discussions with the club, I could sense just how much the people in charge here still value me and how much trust they have in me. That’s why Leipzig is exactly the right place for me to perform to my best.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MORE: Arsenal vs Chelsea: Predicted lineups today and confirmed team news

MORE: Everton vs Man Utd: Predicted lineup today and confirmed team news

MORE: Enzo Maresca makes Arsenal squad claim after Man City beat Coventry