Manchester United remain keen on Christopher Nkunku, with the French forward emerging as a potential summer arrival — a move that could hinge on the ongoing pursuit of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, according to recruitment expert Mick Brown speaking to Football Insider.
Man United Keep Nkunku Option Open as Mbeumo Talks Progress
Nkunku, 27, looks set to leave Chelsea after falling out of favour under Enzo Maresca.
Despite scoring 14 goals and providing 5 assists across 46 appearances in the 2024‑25 campaign, he was predominantly used out wide and failed to secure a regular Premier League role.
Brown explained, “United… are looking to sign an out‑and‑out centre‑forward … Nkunku is more similar to Cunha and Mbeumo, so if both of those come in, I don’t see where he would fit”.
The outline of United’s attacking rebuild is clear: Matheus Cunha has already joined for a No. 10 role, while Mbeumo remains the primary target — a deal reportedly closing in with Brentford on a £60 million-plus package.
Brown emphasised that if Mbeumo’s move falls through, Nkunku becomes a strong Plan B: “They’re keeping tabs… if the Mbeumo deal falls through, maybe they will make a move”.
United have already held “initial talks” with Nkunku’s camp, including exploratory chats involving swapping Alejandro Garnacho, though no formal bid has materialised.
However, Nkunku’s future may be complicated by other contenders. Bayern Munich also monitor his situation, and sources suggest Nkunku would favour a return to Germany.
Despite the uncertainty, United’s strategy is pragmatic: target Mbeumo first for a midfielder-turned-winger role, and if the deal stalls, pivot swiftly to Nkunku as a versatile option in behind-the-striker or as a centre-forward.
United are determined to strengthen heavily in attacking areas this window, and Nkunku remains firmly on their radar.
