Christopher Nkunku can be Newcastle's new talisman, Enzo Maresca has said why
Christopher Nkunku looks to be the perfect signing for Newcastle this summer considering what Enzo Maresca said about him last year.
Matthias Jaissle is looking to add some extra quality to his squad before the window closes after several high-profile departures from St James' Park.
Newcastle fans are concerned that their squad looks short ahead of their first game of the new campaign against Liverpool on Sunday.
They look to be prioritising the signing of a new number 10, with Joe Willock linked with a move away and Nick Woltemade still struggling for form and fitness.
Former Chelsea star Nkunku has emerged onto the Magpies' radar again this summer, after he was linked to the club this time last year.
He looks set to leave AC Milan on loan before the end of the summer window, with previous praise of his attacking abilities proving how he could make a real difference on Tyneside this season.
Enzo Maresca loved Christopher Nkunku's versatility at Chelsea
Newcastle feel they are lacking depth across their frontline following the departure of Anthony Gordon, with Jacob Murphy consistently linked away in recent weeks too.
Nkunku has prior experience of Premier League football after spending two seasons at Chelsea between 2023 and 2025, where he registered 18 goals and five assists in 62 appearances.
The Frenchman found his best Stamford Bridge form under Maresca, who could not have spoken higher of him in an interview with the club's official media last July.
After Nkunku scored against Benfica in their Club World Cup winning-campaign, Maresca said: "I know Christo from years ago. I loved him before I joined this club. In the way we want to play, he is the ideal player. He can play in the pocket, in the nine, on the wing. At this moment we are using him in the pocket and he is doing very well."
The Italian's particular praise of Nkunku's versatility and how well-suited he is to Premier League football should encourage Newcastle to get a deal done as other clubs also register their interest.
Which other clubs are interested in Nkunku?
Newcastle will have to act quickly to get a deal done for the 29-year-old, who is not part of new Milan boss Ruben Amorim's plans for this season.
That may come as a surprise to some at Man United, after they were touted to move for Nkunku last summer while Amorim was at the helm.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that United's interest in Nkunku has cooled this summer, with Aston Villa believed to be rivalling Newcastle for his signature.
New reports from Germany have also claimed that his former club, RB Leipzig, have contacted Nkunku's representatives over a possible move and are lining up a loan offer.