Christopher Nkunku transfer: Newcastle United compete with RB Leipzig for AC Milan striker

RB Leipzig have reached a preliminary agreement with AC Milan to bring back Christopher Nkunku during the current transfer window, but the move is not yet complete as the German club still need to settle personal terms with the France striker.

According to Foot Mercato, the proposed deal would see Nkunku join RB Leipzig on loan for a fee of 3 million euros. The agreement would also include an option for the German club to make the transfer permanent for about 27 million euros.

However, negotiations remain ongoing and the proposed move cannot be finalised until Nkunku reaches an agreement with RB Leipzig over the terms of his contract. The preliminary understanding between the two clubs therefore represents progress, rather than a completed transfer.

RB Leipzig are attempting to take Nkunku back to the club where he previously established himself, after his spell with AC Milan failed to develop as expected. The German side see a return as a possible way for the striker to restart his career, while AC Milan continue to assess the most suitable structure for his departure.

The Italian club are considering their options over whether to accept a loan arrangement or pursue a permanent sale. That decision could have a significant bearing on the next stage of the negotiations involving Nkunku.

Newcastle United remain strongly involved in the race for the player. The Premier League club are continuing discussions with RB Leipzig and Nkunku’s representatives, with the intention of completing a permanent transfer rather than agreeing to a temporary move.

Newcastle United’s proposal could give them a potential advantage in the negotiations, particularly because AC Milan may prefer to sell Nkunku outright instead of allowing him to leave on loan with a purchase option that would only be exercised at a later date.

The competing approaches leave Nkunku at a crossroads. RB Leipzig’s plan would allow the striker to return to a familiar club initially through a loan, while Newcastle United are seeking a deal that would take him away from AC Milan on a permanent basis.

For now, the Leipzig proposal remains dependent on an agreement with the player. Newcastle United’s continued involvement means the final outcome is still uncertain, with the structure of the transfer and AC Milan’s preference between an immediate sale and a loan with a deferred option to buy likely to play a central role in determining where Nkunku goes next.

No final agreement has been reached, but RB Leipzig have moved closer to a reunion with the France striker. At the same time, Newcastle United are working to turn their interest into a permanent deal, ensuring that Nkunku’s future remains unresolved.