Five alternative transfers to Man Utd and Chelsea target Nkunku

Suraj Radia
Suraj Radia
  • 28 May 2022 17:14 BST
  • 3 min read
Christopher Nkunku celebrates scoring of RB Leipzig, 2021/22
© ProShots

Manchester United and Chelsea's transfer plans have been dealt a blow as Christopher Nkunku is set to stay at RB Leipzig this summer.

The Frenchman was rumoured to be a top target for both teams however the German side are reportedly said to be resisting all offers for their star player.

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Having grabbed 34 goals and 20 assists in all competitions this season, Nkunku was named Bundesliga player of the year as he led Leipzig to Champions League qualification.

With United and Chelsea both looking to add extra firepower to their side, they may have to turn to alternative targets and FootballTransfers takes a look at who those players might be.

Leicester City midfielder James Maddison
© ProShots

James Maddison (Leicester City)

James Maddison has enjoyed his best season for Leicester, having grabbed 12 goals and eight assists in the league and could be tempted move to a bigger club.

With Leicester failing to qualify for European football, Maddison could leave the Foxes in order to play at a higher level having failed to break into the England setup.

United have previously shown interest in the 25-year-old and may offer him a chance to make a step up ahead of the World Cup in December.

Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

Florian Wirtz has emerged as one of the breakout youngsters in the Bundesliga this season, scoring seven goals and getting ten assists for Leverkusen

The 19-year-old has already received four caps for Germany and excelled in the Europa League before picking up a season-ending injury in March.

However, with Wirtz still having four years left on his contract and Leverkusen also securing Champions League football next season, it would surely take an astronomical fee for any side to sign him.

Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich)

German international Serge Gnabry looks set to leave Bayern this summer after entering the final year of his contract and showing no intention to renew.

Gnabry, 26, scored 14 times in the Bundesliga this season and is reportedly looking for a new challenge after five years with Bayern.

The German champions have allegedly set a €40 million asking price on the former Arsenal winger and Real Madrid are reported to be among the sides considering a move.

Serge Gnabry, Bayern Munich, 2021/22
© ProShots

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio)

Serbian midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has long been one of Serie A's most consistent players and could be an excellent signing for English clubs.

The 27-year-old has spent the last seven seasons at Lazio, scoring 48 league goals in that time including 11 this year as well as 11 assists.

United have reportedly already had a €50m bid turned down by Lazio, with the Italian side allegedly valuing him closer to €100m.

Lucas Paqueta (Lyon)

With 15 goal contributions in Ligue 1 this season, Lyon midfielder Lucas Paqueta is another player who has attracted interest from abroad.

The 25-year-old has been strongly linked with a £50m move to Newcastle however he has yet to show any desire of leaving the French side.

While he has largely played in attacking midfield for Lyon, Paqueta is capable of playing deeper or out wide and was part of the Brazil that won the Copa America in 2019.

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