Christopher Nkunku is reportedly closer to returning to RB Leipzig, with Newcastle United currently trailing the German club in the race to sign the French forward from AC Milan.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Nkunku favours a return to Leipzig, where he enjoyed the most productive period of his career between 2019 and 2023.
Leipzig and Newcastle have both held talks with Milan, but the Bundesliga side appears to have established a significant advantage in negotiations.
Leipzig lead Newcastle in Nkunku race
Milan reporter Luca Bianchin of Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Newcastle are “well behind” Leipzig in the race for Nkunku.
The Frenchman joined Milan from Chelsea last summer in a deal worth €37 million plus add-ons but struggled to reproduce his best form during his first season in Italy.
Nkunku scored eight goals in 35 competitive appearances for the Rossoneri, prompting the club to consider allowing him to leave after just one season.
Milan are reportedly prepared to sanction a loan move with an option to buy, while Leipzig have emerged as the preferred destination for the 28-year-old.
Milan prepare to sanction loan exit
Negotiations between Milan and Leipzig are expected to progress towards an agreement in the coming days.
Under the proposed arrangement, Leipzig would cover Nkunku’s €5m salary for the 2026-27 campaign, easing Milan’s wage commitments while giving the player an opportunity to revive his career in familiar surroundings.
Nkunku enjoyed four highly productive seasons at Leipzig before leaving for Chelsea in 2023. He scored 58 Bundesliga goals during his time with the German club and became one of Europe’s most highly rated attacking players.
His subsequent spell at Chelsea was disrupted by injuries and limited opportunities before he moved to Milan last summer.