Man City strike first with firm approach for star who would be seamless fit

Manchester City have reportedly lodged a formal interest in RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Christopher Nkunku, who has also been linked with Chelsea and Arsenal.

Nkunku is a long-term target for Arsenal, who tried to sign him back when Unai Emery was their coach. The midfielder instead chose to leave Paris Saint-Germain for Leipzig. It has proven to be a brilliant decision.

The Frenchman’s form since has been outstanding. Thriving in a more advanced midfield role, he scored seven goals and added 11 assists from 40 games last season. This term, he already has 11 goals and seven assists to his name from just 17 appearances.

Despite previously missing out on his Arsenal move, Nkunku has been linked with Premier League clubs ever since. The Gunners are still suitors, so it seems, but Chelsea have also been linked recently.

The Blues are, of course, managed by Thomas Tuchel, who also shared time with Nkunku in Paris.

Another Premier League suitor to be mentioned has been Newcastle, while Manchester City have been keeping tabs on him after he scored a hat-trick against them in the Champions League in September.

And according to Bild, the Premier League champions have now made an enquiry about signing Nkunku.

They face competition from Real Madrid, Juventus and even his former club PSG. But it is believed that City are leading the race at present.

Manchester City to be rivalled for Christopher Nkunku by Chelsea and Newcastle

Manchester City will reportedly be rivalled for RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku by Chelsea and Newcastle, with more updates on Timo Werner and Jesse Lingard.

However, Leipzig are ready to increase his asking price given the mounting interest in his services. With no release clause in his contract, which lasts until 2024, they can demand whatever they like.

City are poised to enter talks, though, and will be hoping to tempt Leipzig to cash in. The Bundesliga side will be guaranteed a huge profit if they sell Nkunku now.

The 23-year-old could then add a new dimension to City in the final third. He can play as a number 10, winger or even a false nine, which is a role Pep Guardiola has been trying various players in this season.

For the time being, Nkunku has vowed not to think about interest from other clubs. But it seems City are making moves behind the scenes and he may have a decision to make at some point in 2022.

City star considers January transfer

City’s desire to sign a new attacking midfielder may increase if they lose one of their current options in January.

Raheem Sterling has already been linked with an exit, having confessed an interest in playing abroad.

In addition, reports earlier this week revealed Riyad Mahrez wants more gametime and is now considering his future.

The winger has always been effective but is not getting many chances to complete the full 90 minutes of games.

A January transfer is therefore taking shape in his mind. According to Foot Mercato, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are weighing up bids.

At either club, he would replace Eden Hazard or Kylian Mbappe respectively if either of those players are to make their own transfers.

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