Arsenal interested in summer move for Nkunku

Martin Macdonald

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 3 min read

Arsenal are preparing a summer transfer bid for RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku, according to Bild.

Mikel Arteta is reportedly a huge fan of the 23-year-old, who had interested the Gunners in the summer before the turned their attentions to Houssem Aouar and, eventually, Thomas Partey, with the Atletico Madrid midfielder signing for the club near the end of the transfer window after his release clause was activated.

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Even though Arsenal spent big on a central midfielder in the summer, Arteta is keen to further bolster his options in the middle of the park, which could scupper any potential permanent move to the Emirates for Dani Ceballos.

Nkunku is a product of the PSG academy and actually made 28 starts for the Parisiens over a four-year spell before eventually signing for RB Leipzig for a fee of €15m.

He has excelled under the tutelage of head coach Julian Nagelsmann and contributed to 18 goals in the 2019/20 Bundesliga season, scoring five himself and recording an impressive 13 assists in 21 starts.

Although he is yet to hit top form in 2020/21, with just one assist to his name in seven Bundesliga appearances so far, his stock continues to rise in Europe, with Arsenal currently leading the race for his signature.

Key to any deal could be Nkunku’s release clause as the Premier League side would be able to sign him for just €40m in the summer.