Newcastle can pull off a real coup by completing deal for player who wowed Paul Merson and Joe Cole
Christopher Nkunku's standout performances at Chelsea proved that he has what it takes to be a key man in the Premier League for Newcastle.
The Magpies are reportedly keen on signing Nkunku this summer as he is made available for transfer by AC Milan.
Former Man United manager Ruben Amorim has taken a hardline stance on several Milan stars after his arrival earlier in the summer, with the Frenchman not part of his plans right now.
Newcastle are looking to bolster their midfield options with a new number 10, and Nkunku fits the bill.
Chelsea forked out around £52million to sign him from RB Leipzig in 2023, and he spent two seasons at Stamford Bridge being in and out of the starting eleven.
Nkunku did produce some impressive Premier League performances in his two seasons at the club, three of which show that he does have what it takes to fire Newcastle up the division this season.
Christopher Nkunku's three best PL performances analysed amid Newcastle interest
Nkunku's Chelsea career got off to the worst start possible as a serious knee injury in pre-season meant he had to wait four months to make his competitive debut.
He finished his first season at the club with three goals in 14 appearances, the latter of which came as he made it 2-0 at Brighton in May 2024 with a late run into the area and a well-taken low finish.
His 48-minute substitute appearance yielded two shots, one big chance created, 88 per cent pass accuracy, five duels won and one foul drawn.
The 2024-25 campaign was much more fruitful for Nkunku, as he registered 15 goals and five assists in 48 appearances.
Another standout Premier League showing came away to Southampton in December 2024, as he scored and notched an assist in a 5-1 victory.
Nkunku displayed his versatility and was on fire as he led the line in attack, as he took four shots, created one big chance, made two more key passes, as well as drawing three fouls.
The reverse fixture in February 2025 yielded possibly his best league showing in a Chelsea shirt, with one more goal and assist each added to his season tally in a 4-0 win.
This time Nkunku played off the left wing, with two more key passes, two fouls drawn, four recoveries and three duels won.
He can clearly be a key man in the Premier League, and Newcastle should look to complete a move if the price is right in the coming weeks.
What have pundits said about Nkunku?
The path has cleared somewhat for Newcastle to make a move, with sources telling Football Insider that Man United have cooled their interest in Nkunku after keeping tabs on him last summer.
Nkunku's Premier League performances for Chelsea saw numerous top pundits praise his abilities, with Joe Cole praising him in November 2024 as he said: “Nkunku is clean and is a good finisher, he can play in a No.10 and can play off either side. You see there’s zero panic in him. His stride doesn’t change (when he shoots)."
Paul Merson questioned Enzo Maresca's treatment of the Frenchman in March last year, as he also said: “Christopher Nkunku’s position is not on the wing. I feel sorry for him. I like him, I think he’s a good player. He’s one that plays behind the centre-forward.
"He’s an intelligent footballer, connects things, but the problem is Palmer’s been outstanding.”