- Leipzig could make a move for Nkunku
- Frenchman keen on leaving تشيلسي
- Forward must accept 75% pay cut at German side
آر بي لايبزيغ are reportedly seriously considering a sensational return for former star Nkunku, according to صورة. The 27-year-old Frenchman left Leipzig for Chelsea in 2023 for €60 million (£52m/$70m), and although initial rumours seemed unlikely, talks are now gaining traction.
A potential Nkunku move could serve as a key bargaining chip in Leipzig’s negotiations with Chelsea over Xavi Simons. The هولندا international has long agreed personal terms with the الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز side and is pushing for a transfer. However, the Blues must first offload players like Nkunku before making an official offer, as the الدوري الألماني side remain adamant on their asking price of €70 million (£60m/$82m).
The major hurdle remains Nkunku’s reported €20m (£17m/$23m) salary in London, double what he earned in Leipzig. With a new internal salary cap of €5m, Leipzig would only consider a deal if the Frenchman agrees a 75 per cent pay cut. Indeed, per صورة sporting director Marcel Schafer has been informed by the Leipzig hierarchy to reduce the salary budget by 20%.
Nkunku was inching closer to a move to بايرن ميونيخ, but the deal is on the verge of a collapse after Chelsea refused to send the forward on loan. The Club كأس العالم winners value Nkunku — on a contract until 2029 — at €50m (£43m/$58m). The player is also eager to make a permanent switch in order to put an end to his misery at Stamford Bridge. It also remains to be seen what happens to Chelsea’s pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho, with مانشستر يونايتد slapping a £50m ($68m) price tag on the Argentine.
