RB Leipzig challenge Newcastle and Aston Villa for Nkunku
Quick summary
RB Leipzig are reportedly competing with Newcastle United and Aston Villa for the signature of Christopher Nkunku, who is currently at Chelsea.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceAccording to Sportitalia, RB Leipzig are keen on bringing Christopher Nkunku back, with Milan open to discussing a potential loan deal.
Bundesliga side RB Leipzig want to bring Nkunku back to the club, according to Sportitalia transfer expert Gianluigi Longari.
Leipzig want to bring Nkunku back According to the report, Leipzig have been ‘pushing’ in recent hours, knowing that Nkunku is not part of Milan’s plans.
The French striker moved to San Siro from Chelsea last summer in a deal worth over €30m.
According to the report, the Rossoneri are even open to letting the 28-year-old leave on loan this summer.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA – AUGUST 05: Goncalo Ramos of AC Milan celebrates with Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan after his goal during the pre-season match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by James Worsfold/Getty Images) Previous reports in Italy claimed that both Newcastle and Aston Villa had sounded out the striker’s availability.
Nkunku scored eight goals and provided three assists in 35 appearances across all competitions with Milan in 2025-26. His contract at San Siro expires in June 2030.
BOLOGNA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 03: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan competes for the ball with Federico Ravaglia of Bologna FC during the Serie A match between Bologna FC 1909 and AC Milan at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on February 03, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) He already played for RB Leipzig from 2019 to 2023, netting 70 times in 172 games.
In the meantime, Milan are ready to complete their third summer signing, welcoming Belgian winger Diego Moreira from Strasbourg for €50m.
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What happened
According to reports, RB Leipzig have entered the race to re-sign Christopher Nkunku from Chelsea, joining Premier League sides Newcastle United and Aston Villa. The French forward originally left Leipzig for Chelsea but has struggled for consistent playing time at Stamford Bridge. Leipzig's interest represents an emotional return option, while Newcastle and Villa see him as a potential attacking reinforcement. A decision on Nkunku's future is expected in the coming window as Chelsea look to reshape their squad.
Chance analysis
This three-club pursuit gives Chelsea leverage in negotiations and could drive up any transfer fee. Leipzig's involvement is notable as they were the club where Nkunku flourished, and a return could restore his form. For Newcastle and Villa, signing him would add proven Bundesliga/Champions League quality, but his injury history and Premier League adaptation struggles remain concerns. The competition between clubs suggests Chelsea may prefer a permanent sale to maximize return on their initial investment.
A potential departure would free up Chelsea's wage bill and squad space, while a signing would strengthen the attacking line of whichever Premier club wins the race or boost Leipzig's Bundesliga credentials.