Newcastle United are reportedly interested in signing Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.
That’s according to the Telegraph, who name the Frenchman as one of three incredibly ambitious Toon targets. The other names are Benfica’s Darwin Nunez and Leeds star Kalvin Phillips.
The report states that Newcastle are ‘keeping an eye’ on Nkunku, but understand that a deal is probably unlikely.
That’s because Nkunku has been one of the best forwards in world football this season.
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Christopher Nkunku has had a season to remember
The 24-year-old found the net 35 times in 52 games in all competitions. Only Robert Lewandowski provided more goal contributions in the Bundesliga this season, with the Pole’s tally of 38 goals and assists eclipsing Nkunku’s 33.
However, the RB Leipzig forward did win the league’s Player of the Season award, which is impressive given the immense talent in Germany right now.
That’s why Newcastle are interested, but so are many others. The Telegraph add that the Magpies believe Nkunku will have more attractive offers this summer from Champions League sides.
We can’t offer that right now, but it speaks volumes that Newcastle are even considering this calibre of player. He’s someone we picked out as a possible marquee signing back in April. He would certainly be PIF’s most ambitious signing yet.
This isn’t the first time Newcastle have been interested in Nkunku
While interest in Nkunku sums up the type of player the new owners want to bring to St James’ Park, he’s actually been linked with the Magpies before – back when Mike Ashley was owner.
In January 2019, the Daily Mail claimed that Newcastle were looking to sign Nkunku, who was playing for PSG at the time.
That was when Rafa Benitez was in charge of the club. He wasn’t backed with the signing of Nkunku that month, but the club did bring in Miguel Almiron. Perhaps it wouldn’t be wide of the mark to suggest Newcastle should have gone for the Frenchman instead.
Nkunku signed for RB Leipzig in the summer of 2019, and has really excelled in Germany. He’s been named in the most recent France squad ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures.
Newcastle want to sign a forward this summer, but a move for Nkunku is likely beyond our reach, even with our new owners and their lofty ambitions.