Christopher Nkunku is set to depart AC Milan and has attracted interest from both Aston Villa and Newcastle United. The Premier League pair have been tussling for Joao Palhinha, and now there’s another potential battle.
The Frenchman joined the Rossoneri from Chelsea in the summer of 2025. Zlatan Ibrahimovic was a driving factor in the move but it never quite worked out.
Under Max Allegri last season, Nkunku could never make a mark, as he scored seven times in Serie A, featuring for around 1300 minutes.
With Ruben Amorim in charge at the San Siro, his future is looking uncertain. He isn’t part of the Portuguese coach’s plans.
Aston Villa and Newcastle United have moved for him already.
Clubs making enquiries
Calciomercato’s Daniele Longo reports that Nkunku is on his way out of the Rossoneri. They have set a base price tag of €35m on him, but ideally want more.
Newcastle United and Aston Villa have made enquiries for the attacker’s signature. They have spoken to Nkunku’s entourage and held initial discussions with Milan too.
Competition for the ex-Chelsea player is fierce though, with RB Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund and even AS Roma also keen.
Amorim rates Nkunku from a technical standpoint but has big doubts over his physical suitability. He believes the player isn’t someone who can thrive in a high-pressing system, with him now training separately from the rest of the Milan squad.
Our take: Deal could be a big risk
Signing Nkunku permanently at this point would be a gamble for both Newcastle United and Aston Villa. The 28-year-old has had several fitness problems since his Chelsea days and they could increase, if he ends up in England.
Premier League football would demand more out of him from a physical perspective. That is the basis of Amorim’s doubts and this should concern the two suitors.
He could’ve been a good signing several years ago but now, his stock has clearly dropped. A loan with an option would be a reasonable gamble.
