Christopher Nkunku leaves Chelsea to join Milan Por Carolina Costa
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Milan announced on August 30, 2025, the signing of French attacking midfielder Christopher Nkunku, aged 27, formerly of Chelsea, in a strategic move to strengthen their offensive line. The transfer, finalized after medical examinations on Friday, secures the player to the Italian club with a contract valid until June 30, 2030. Nkunku, who will wear the number 18 jersey, joins Milan with the mission to help the team reclaim prominence in Serie A after a disappointing 2024/25 season. The deal, valued at approximately 42 million euros, reflects the club’s bet on a versatile player with notable stints at PSG, RB Leipzig, and Chelsea. The signing comes amid a squad overhaul, as Milan aims to compete at the highest level in Italy and Europe.
The player, no longer part of Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca’s plans, agreed to a salary reduction to facilitate the transfer. The negotiation, conducted in the final weeks of the transfer window, involved intense discussions between the clubs, with Milan outbidding competitors like Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig. Nkunku, known for his dribbling, speed, and game vision, is seen as a key piece for Massimiliano Allegri’s tactical setup.
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- Player background: Nkunku excelled at RB Leipzig, scoring 70 goals in 173 matches.
- Transfer motivation: Loss of prominence at Chelsea due to new signings.
- Milan’s expectations: Strengthen the attack and add unpredictability.
- Contract: Valid for five seasons until 2030, with an adjusted salary.
Negotiation details
Nkunku’s transfer to Milan was completed for an estimated 37 million euros, with up to 5 million in performance-based bonuses. Chelsea, who invested around 60 million euros to sign him from RB Leipzig in 2023, accepted the Italian offer after negotiations that included a sell-on clause. The deal reflects Chelsea’s strategy to free up wage space and fund new signings, such as Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.
Nkunku arrived in Milan on Thursday, August 28, and underwent medicals the following day. The swift finalization allowed the player to integrate quickly into the squad, making him eligible to debut against Bologna on September 14 in Serie A. Milan’s choice of Nkunku came after failed attempts to sign other forwards, like Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen and Conrad Harder from Sporting CP.
The attacking midfielder, who can also play as a center-forward or second striker, brings versatility to Allegri’s tactics. His ability to operate in multiple attacking roles was a decisive factor for Milan’s board, which seeks greater offensive dynamism after finishing eighth in the last Serie A season.
Nkunku’s career path
Trained at Paris Saint-Germain’s youth academy, Christopher Nkunku made his professional debut in 2015, playing 78 matches and scoring 11 goals for the French club. His time at PSG included three Ligue 1 titles, three French Cups, and two Super Cups. In 2019, he moved to RB Leipzig, where he reached his career peak, scoring 70 goals and providing 56 assists in 173 matches.
At Chelsea since 2023, Nkunku faced challenges with injuries, particularly in the 2023/24 season, but rebounded in the last campaign, contributing 15 goals and five assists in 48 matches. He played a key role in winning the Conference League and Club World Cup, scoring a decisive goal in extra time against Benfica in the latter’s round of 16. However, the arrival of young prospects like João Pedro and Estêvão reduced his role in the squad.
- PSG (2015-2019): 78 matches, 11 goals, three Ligue 1 titles.
- RB Leipzig (2019-2023): 173 matches, 70 goals, two German Cups.
- Chelsea (2023-2025): 62 matches, 18 goals, Club World Cup and Conference League.
- Key strength: Versatility to play as a midfielder, second striker, or center-forward.
Milan’s strategy for 2025/26
Nkunku’s signing is part of Milan’s ambitious project for the 2025/26 season, which includes other high-profile acquisitions like midfielder Luka Modric and left-back Pervis Estupiñán. After a lackluster eighth-place finish in the last Serie A, the club aims to strengthen its squad to compete with rivals like Inter Milan, Juventus, and Napoli. The rossoneri board, led by Gerry Cardinale, is betting on experienced and versatile players to restore the club’s prestige in Europe.
Massimiliano Allegri, who took over as manager, plans to use Nkunku in a scheme that maximizes his speed and creativity. The presence of Rafael Leão, the team’s main star, could complement the Frenchman’s playing style, forming a dynamic attacking duo. Nkunku’s debut is highly anticipated, especially after Milan’s victory in the second round of Serie A, with an assist from Modric.
The club is also eyeing additional reinforcements before the transfer window closes. Names like Artem Dovbyk from Roma and Manuel Akanji from Manchester City are in talks, signaling intentions to bolster both attack and defense.
Chelsea’s perspective
Nkunku’s departure from Chelsea reflects the club’s new direction under Enzo Maresca, who prioritizes younger players aligned with his tactical vision. The Frenchman’s sale, alongside others like Noni Madueke to Arsenal, generated over 263 million pounds in revenue during the 2025 transfer window. These funds are expected to be reinvested in targets like Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig and Fermín López from Barcelona.
Nkunku, whose contract with Chelsea ran until 2029, struggled to secure a starting spot due to competition and injuries in his first season. His move to Milan is seen as a chance to regain the prominence he enjoyed at RB Leipzig, where he was a key offensive player.
- Chelsea’s revenue: Over 263 million pounds from sales in 2025.
- New targets: Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons are on the radar.
- Reason for exit: Reduced playing time due to young prospects.
Serie A expectations
Milan enters the 2025/26 season under pressure to return to European competitions after missing out last year. Nkunku’s arrival is viewed as a major boost for the attack, which struggled without Rafael Leão in key moments last season. Fans expect the Frenchman to bring the unpredictability needed to challenge stronger defenses.
The upcoming match against Bologna on September 14 will be a chance for Nkunku to prove his worth. The game, scheduled after the FIFA international break, may ease his integration. Allegri, known for his pragmatic approach, is likely to deploy Nkunku in a hybrid role, switching between midfield and attack based on the opponent.
- Next match: Milan vs. Bologna, September 14, Serie A.
- Tactical setup: Nkunku expected as a midfielder or second striker.
- Milan’s goal: Qualify for European competitions in 2026/27.
- Attacking synergy: Partnership with Rafael Leão could be decisive.
Fan reactions
Nkunku’s arrival sparked excitement among Milan fans, who celebrated the signing on social media. They hope the player brings the technical quality lacking last season, particularly in matches against top opponents. His versatility to play multiple attacking roles is seen as a tactical advantage for Allegri.
Conversely, some Chelsea fans expressed surprise at the sale, given Nkunku’s potential. However, most acknowledge that his limited minutes under Maresca justified the move. Italian media praised Nkunku’s willingness to accept a pay cut, which smoothed the deal with Milan.
