Newcastle face Christopher Nkunku setback as RB Leipzig move ahead in transfer race

Newcastle United may need to step up their pursuit of Christopher Nkunku after RB Leipzig reportedly moved ahead in the race to sign the AC Milan forward.

The Magpies have shown interest in the 28-year-old as they continue reshaping their squad during the final stages of the summer transfer window.

However, a return to Germany is now emerging as the most likely outcome for Nkunku, with his former club Leipzig believed to have established an advantage in the battle for his signature.

According to Milan News, the Bundesliga side have moved ahead of Newcastle despite recent suggestions that the Premier League club were making progress.

Newcastle's interest in Nkunku emerged earlier this week after it became clear Milan were prepared to allow the France international to leave.

The Magpies were one of several clubs considering a move, and reports had suggested they were beginning to make ground on Leipzig.

That situation has now changed.

Milan News claims there have been “confirmations” that Leipzig currently hold a clear advantage over Newcastle.

Nkunku has reportedly been placed on the market after failing to convince Ruben Amorim during pre-season, leaving Milan prepared to discuss his departure before the transfer deadline.

That gives Newcastle an opportunity, but they may now need to make a stronger move if they want to prevent Leipzig from completing the deal.

Leipzig have an obvious advantage beyond the financial side of negotiations.

Nkunku previously spent four successful years with the German club between 2019 and 2023, establishing himself as one of Europe's most exciting attacking players.

He made 172 appearances during that spell, scoring 70 goals and providing 56 assists.

Those performances eventually earned him a move to Chelsea, but injuries prevented Nkunku from consistently reproducing the form he had shown in Germany.

His subsequent move to Milan has also failed to provide the fresh start he needed, and another change of club is now possible.

Returning to Leipzig would therefore take Nkunku back to an environment where he previously produced the best football of his career.

Despite Leipzig's advantage, Newcastle are not necessarily out of the picture.

The Magpies have funds available after making several major sales this summer and are continuing to rebuild their squad.

That financial position could allow Newcastle to compete strongly with Leipzig if they decide Nkunku is a priority during the closing stages of the window.

The bigger question could be whether the player prefers a Premier League move or a return to Germany.

At 28, Nkunku will be looking for a club capable of giving him the opportunity to play regularly and rebuild his career after several difficult seasons.

Newcastle could offer him another chance in English football, while Leipzig can provide familiarity and a return to the club where he enjoyed the most productive period of his career.

For now, the German side appear to be winning that argument.

Newcastle must now decide how strongly they want to pursue Nkunku after Leipzig moved into pole position.

The Magpies have the financial capacity to make a competitive move, but Leipzig's history with the forward could prove difficult to overcome.

With Milan prepared to sanction an exit and the transfer deadline approaching, Nkunku's own preference could ultimately determine where he plays this season.

Should Newcastle make a stronger push to sign Christopher Nkunku, or focus their money on another attacking target?