Nkunku favours RB Leipzig return as Newcastle fall behind in transfer race

Christopher Nkunku is moving closer to a return to RB Leipzig, with the AC Milan forward understood to favour a switch back to his former club over a move to Newcastle United.

The 28-year-old is expected to leave Milan this summer after falling out of the club’s plans, and both Leipzig and Newcastle have emerged as serious options.

According to reports in Italy, Nkunku has given a positive response to the idea of returning to Leipzig, where he previously enjoyed the most productive spell of his career.

Newcastle remain involved and are believed to have presented the stronger financial proposal to Milan, but the player’s preference is currently working in Leipzig’s favour.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Nkunku has already spoken with the Leipzig coach and has become increasingly convinced by the possibility of returning to Germany.

The key issue now is the structure of the agreement between the two clubs. Milan are open to a loan arrangement with an option or potential obligation to buy, while reports in Italy suggest the Rossoneri are seeking a package worth up to around €35 million.

Nkunku spent four seasons at Leipzig between 2019 and 2023, developing into one of the Bundesliga’s leading attacking players before moving to Chelsea.

He later joined Milan, but his position at San Siro has become increasingly uncertain and a departure before the end of the transfer window now appears likely.

Leipzig are therefore in a strong position, although no final agreement has yet been reached with Milan and Newcastle have not withdrawn from the race.