Former Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku snubbed a transfer move to Manchester United to rejoin RB Leipzig on loan this summer, according to reports in Germany.
Nkunku brought his underwhelming two-year stay at Stamford Bridge to an end to sign for AC Milan last summer, putting pen to paper on a five-year deal worth €42million (£36m).
The versatile 28-year-old would go on to register eight goals and three assists in his debut season at the San Siro to help Rossoneri finish fifth in Serie A.
However, Nkunku was deemed surplus to requirements as Ruben Amorim took over the reins from Massimiliano Allegri, prompting the Frenchman’s camp to seek potential opportunities elsewhere.
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Leipzig were quickly alerted to the situation, with sporting director Marcel Schafer at the heart of the club’s effort to coax Nkunku back to the Red Bull Arena.
Nkunku enjoyed an exceptional four-season spell with Leipzig from 2019 to 2023, establishing himself as one of the most sought-after attacking players in Bundesliga football while picking up countless individual prizes.
According to German publication Bild, Leipzig chief Schafer ‘constantly asked’ about Nkunku throughout the transfer window, ‘even when strolling through his neighbourhood’, before he eventually got his at the start of last week.
The France international – capped 18 times by Les Bleus – rejoined Leipzig on a one-year loan deal with a €28m (£24m) purchase option from Milan.
The report claims Leipzig’s move was somewhat complicated by strong interest from within the Premier League, with Nkunku ‘turning down’ both Newcastle and Manchester United.
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Nkunku made it clear he ‘only wanted’ Leipzig where he remains a fan favourite, three years after his initial spell was brought to a halt.
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‘The transfer wouldn’t have happened without Christo’s steadfastness,’ Schafer said of the return of Nkunku, who was named the Bundesliga Player of the Season for 2021/22.
‘Two Premier League clubs were prepared to go to the limit – we wouldn’t have stood a chance.’
