'Newcastle are after Christopher Nkunku' - Matteo Moretto

A new yet familiar name has been linked with a move to Newcastle United this weekend in AC Milan attacker Christopher Nkunku. 

The former Chelsea man moved to Milan last summer, but his time is already up. New manager Ruben Amorim does not see him in his plans alongside Fikayo Tomori, another player previously linked to Newcastle.

Nkunku turns 29 later in the year, but Newcastle need experience and a natural No.10, leaving some to wonder if this latest link might just have legs.

Nkunku back on Newcastle's radar?

According to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, Newcastle United are showing interest in a late deal for AC Milan's Christopher Nkunku.

He reports that the Frenchman is set to leave the San Siro over the final weeks of the window, and is receiving interest from Borussia Dortmund, former club RB Leipzig, Newcastle and unnamed clubs in Spain.

Nkunku has played in a number of attacking roles across his career. At AC Milan, he was used as a centre-forward, but in the past he’s played wide and in the No.10 role. In that final season at Chelsea, he played 48 times, scoring 15 goals and netting five assists. 

It’s his final season at Leipzig that stands out, however. He mostly played as a second striker, playing 21 times, scoring 15 and assisting seven from that No.10 role. His numbers the season before were equally impressive; over 52 games, he weighed in with a whopping 35 goals and 20 assists. 

Sadly, he’s not been the same player since. This could be the system he’s played in, the quality of the leagues or a spate of injuries he's endured. But, as he nears his 29th birthday, Christopher Nkunku probably has one more move in him, and if Milan are ready to offload him, Newcastle could strike a deal.

Two years too late?

Christopher Nkunku has had some amazing seasons in his career, but at 28, and turning 29 this season, he should be at his peak. 

Instead, he’s struggling in Serie A after an iffy spell at Chelsea and looked set to move on once again after failing to replicate his sparkling RB Leipzig form.

The fee and wages would likely be high, but this might just be one Jaissle could push for, with the German well aware of his exploits in the Bundesliga and potential to add quality to that second striker role.