Chelsea’s £35m Valuation Tempts United in Pursuit of Forward | OneFootball

Nkunku on United Radar as Chelsea Struggle with Spending Sanctions

Cut-Price Opportunity for United

Manchester United may have stumbled upon a striker solution as Chelsea look to slash their bloated squad. Christopher Nkunku, the once highly sought-after forward, has emerged as a £35 million option for United as they weigh up attacking reinforcements this summer, detailed in a report from The Mirror.

Chelsea paid £52 million for the Frenchman just two years ago, but with a growing list of new arrivals including Joao Pedro and Liam Delap for £90 million combined, and a looming £55 million deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, Nkunku has become surplus to requirements.

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His departure now feels inevitable, especially with UEFA’s £78.5 million punishment for financial breaches hovering over Stamford Bridge. While £51 million of that fine is suspended, the pressure is on Chelsea to reduce their wage bill and squad size quickly.

Swap Hopes Fade in Wake of Financial Squeeze

United had considered Alejandro Garnacho as part of a possible swap, a player Chelsea have monitored before. However, “clearly they may be hamstrung by finances and needing to fall into line with UEFA’s punishment”, meaning straight sales are now far more likely than intricate player trades.

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This could give United a cleaner route to securing Nkunku without complicated negotiations, especially with Chelsea prioritising cash over assets. Nkunku, 27, may not be United’s first choice, but his availability at a reduced fee and Premier League experience make him a compelling alternative.

Forward Glut Forces Chelsea’s Hand

With Nicolas Jackson already at Chelsea but facing criticism for his discipline — “having been sent off at the end of the Premier League season and in the Club World Cup” — and Brazil star Pedro newly added to the mix, there is little room left for Nkunku. Chelsea’s attack is overflowing and their finances strained, a combination that strongly suggests movement.

Transfer Dominoes and United’s Tactical Patience

United remain active in the market, also chasing Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha. “While the ex-RB Leipzig striker may not be top of United’s list, he may be a cut-price option.” In today’s market, that represents real value and gives Erik ten Hag tactical flexibility in a long and gruelling campaign ahead.

Our View – EPL Index

There’s a feeling of cautious optimism buzzing among United fans at the prospect of Christopher Nkunku in red. Sure, he has struggled at Chelsea, but there’s no doubting his raw ability and flair. What excites many of us is the idea of getting a technically gifted forward who can play across the front line, all for nearly £20 million less than Chelsea paid. That’s smart business, especially in a summer where financial efficiency matters more than ever.

“United want to offload Alejandro Garnacho who has been a Chelsea target in the past” raises some eyebrows, but it seems like financial logic is overtaking tactical ambition at both clubs right now. Fans would be wary of losing Garnacho, but if Nkunku can rediscover his Leipzig form and offer goals from wide or through the middle, that’s a tempting trade-off.

What’s especially encouraging is that the club is exploring multiple options — Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha offer different skill sets, but Nkunku feels like the wildcard. He’s Premier League ready, hungry to prove himself and could thrive with a fresh start away from Stamford Bridge.

If United can land him for £35 million, that could be one of the deals of the summer.