Nkunku back on Roma radar at €30m as Milan also look at ex-Chelsea striker
Quick summary
Christopher Nkunku has reportedly re-emerged as a transfer target for Roma at around €30m, with AC Milan also interested in the former Chelsea forward.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceRoma had already pursued Christopher Nkunku in January, but now that the former Chelsea man is out of Milan’s plans, they could attempt another €30m swoop rather than Rodrigo Mora.
Multiple sources today confirm that coach Ruben Amorim met with patron Gerry Cardinale and presented a list of the players he no longer wanted in the squad.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 25: AC Milan Manager Ruben Amorim during the Celtic v AC Milan match in a pre-season friendly at Celtic Park on July 25, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images) Somewhat surprisingly, considering he was used regularly in pre-season friendly tests, that includes Nkunku.
The Rossoneri made a big investment to bring him in right at the end of the transfer session last summer, paying €37m plus up to €5m in add-ons and a percentage of the future sale fee to Chelsea.
Nkunku already targeted by Roma GENOA, ITALY – MAY 17: Christopher Nkunku of Milan scores a goal on a penalty kick during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AC Milan at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 17, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images) In order to not generate a net loss on the player, they would need to bring in at least €30m from the sale.
MilanNews , Fabrizio Romano , and Calciomercato all point to a likely solution in the form of Roma.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) Gian Piero Gasperini has long been an admirer of the France international, who could be used on the left wing, as a centre-forward or a support striker.
Nkunku already has some Serie A experience, which is a useful extra, and the fact his contract runs to June 2030 means a loan with option or obligation to buy is also a possibility.
Roma are currently stuck in talks with FC Porto for Rodrigo Mora at €10m for the loan and €40m option to buy, as they cannot agree on what conditions would activate the obligation.
Nkunku would be cheaper and easier to secure, but there is a big problem because he turns 29 in November.
Gasperini confirmed that the club hierarchy is trying to find young, promising players who can be developed, rather than targeting known stars.
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What happened
Christopher Nkunku, who has struggled for consistent playing time at Chelsea since his high-profile move from RB Leipzig, is once again on Roma's radar. The Italian capital club is reportedly willing to pay around €30m for the French forward. AC Milan have also entered the picture and are reportedly putting Nkunku up for sale consideration, suggesting a potential bidding situation between the two Serie A giants. The 27-year-old is reportedly open to a return to Italy, where he previously played for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga before his Premier League move.
Chance analysis
Nkunku's potential departure from Chelsea would represent a significant loss on their investment but free up substantial wage budget and a squad spot. For Roma, acquiring a player of Nkunku's technical quality would be a major statement of intent in the Serie A title race, giving them a proven goal-scoring threat. Milan's involvement adds competitive tension to any negotiation and could drive the price higher. This transfer saga directly impacts the attacking depth and market dynamics for three clubs across two of Europe's top leagues.
Chelsea would lose a squad forward but gain transfer funds; Roma or Milan would add a proven goal-scorer, potentially shifting Serie A title race balance.
Monitor this transfer closely as it could significantly strengthen Roma or Milan's attacking options in Serie A if completed before the window closes.