Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United are reportedly edging closer to a major attacking addition, with the club now emerging as the favourites to sign a highly-rated French forward for a fee in the region of €30 million.
The player in question is Christopher Nkunku, who is currently at AC Milan and has been made available for a potential transfer this summer. Recent reports indicate that Newcastle have entered the race strongly, with Milan understood to be seeking around €30m for the 28-year-old.
According to the latest information surrounding the developing situation, Newcastle have already held direct discussions with Nkunku’s representatives. Those talks are believed to have given the Magpies encouragement, with the Frenchman reportedly showing a preference for a move to St James’ Park over several other options.
That could prove decisive as Newcastle attempt to get the deal over the line before the transfer window closes.
Newcastle emerge as Nkunku’s preferred destination
The race for Nkunku has become increasingly competitive in recent days.
Borussia Dortmund and former club RB Leipzig are both understood to be interested, while there has also been interest from clubs in Spain and elsewhere in Europe.
However, Newcastle are now being tipped as one of the strongest contenders for his signature.
The attraction of a move to the Premier League could be significant for Nkunku, particularly after his difficult spell at Chelsea and his subsequent move to AC Milan. The forward only joined Milan from Chelsea in 2025, but reports suggest he could already be on his way out of San Siro.
A move to Newcastle would therefore represent another major chapter in his career.
Why Newcastle want Nkunku
Newcastle’s interest is understandable given the Frenchman’s versatility and proven record at the highest level.
Nkunku can operate as a central forward, attacking midfielder or from either side of the attack, giving the Magpies another player capable of changing the way they approach games.
His best period came at RB Leipzig, where he developed into one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking players. Between 2019 and 2023, he scored 70 goals and registered 56 assists in 172 competitive appearances for the German club before earning a major move to Chelsea.
His outstanding 2021/22 campaign saw him named Bundesliga Player of the Season, while he subsequently finished as the league’s leading goalscorer the following season.
Newcastle will therefore believe there is still a top-level player waiting to rediscover his best form.
€30m could make the difference
The reported €30m valuation is another major reason why the situation is attracting attention.
Considering Nkunku’s experience, age and previous performances in the Bundesliga and Premier League, Newcastle could view the asking price as an opportunity to secure a high-profile attacker without committing to the kind of enormous fee that has become increasingly common in the market.
Reports have suggested that AC Milan are prepared to allow the player to leave, with Newcastle, Dortmund and Leipzig among the clubs monitoring the situation.
For Newcastle, however, the priority will now be turning their apparent advantage in the player’s preference into an agreement with Milan.
Jaissle could have a new attacking weapon
Should the transfer happen, Nkunku would give Newcastle manager Matthias Jaissle another dynamic option in the final third.
His ability to play multiple attacking roles could be particularly valuable across a long Premier League campaign. Rather than being restricted to one position, he could potentially be used behind the striker, through the middle or in wider attacking areas depending on the opposition and tactical setup.
There is also the possibility that a fresh environment could help Nkunku rediscover the form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.
For Newcastle supporters, the prospect is certainly exciting.
The club still have work to do before the deal can be considered completed, and interest from Dortmund, Leipzig and clubs in Spain means the Magpies cannot afford to become complacent.
But with Newcastle reportedly holding direct talks with the player’s representatives and Nkunku said to favour a move to Tyneside, momentum appears to be building.
If Newcastle can now reach an agreement with AC Milan around the €30m mark, the Magpies could be on the verge of pulling off one of the more intriguing attacking deals of the summer.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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