Newcastle make Nkunku loan offer but Leipzig move threatens to end transfer hopes

Newcastle United have reportedly offered to sign Christopher Nkunku on loan with an obligation to buy, but RB Leipzig are threatening to beat the Magpies to the AC Milan attacker.

Nkunku is expected to leave Milan after failing to establish himself following his move from Chelsea last summer.

Newcastle have now made their move, but the next few hours could decide his future.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Newcastle have proposed an initial loan deal that would include an obligation to purchase Nkunku permanently.

However, Leipzig currently have the stronger financial package on the table.

The Bundesliga club are offering a €4m loan fee alongside a €28m option to buy, with the overall terms said to be worth more than Newcastle’s proposal.

Milan are ready to move Nkunku on after new manager Ruben Amorim decided the 28-year-old is not an important part of his plans.

Nkunku was left out of Milan’s squad against Torino, further underlining that an exit is approaching.

Newcastle’s biggest problem may be the player’s preference rather than Milan’s demands.

Reports from Italy suggest Nkunku is increasingly favouring a return to Leipzig, where he enjoyed the best spell of his career between 2019 and 2023.

He scored 70 goals and registered 56 assists across 172 appearances for the German club before moving to Chelsea.

The transfer is now said to have reached “crucial hours”, with Leipzig currently leading Newcastle in the race.

Newcastle need to move quickly if they want to change the direction of the deal.

Leipzig currently have both a strong financial proposal and Nkunku’s preference in their favour, leaving the Magpies needing a late breakthrough to prevent the Frenchman returning to Germany.

Should Newcastle improve their offer for Nkunku, or move on to another attacking target?