Bianchin: Nkunku ‘closer and closer’ as Leipzig leapfrog Newcastle in race

RB Leipzig have stepped up their pursuit of Christopher Nkunku, leapfrogging Newcastle in the race for the exit-bound AC Milan forward.

Nkunku has been excluded from Milan’s squad for the 2026-27 season, stripped of his No.18 shirt, and is thus expected to leave the club before the window closes. Given that he was decent in the second half of last season, several clubs have expressed an interest.

Late last night, Fabrizio Romano reported that both Leipzig and Newcastle are concrete options for the Frenchman, who will be allowed to leave the Rossoneri on loan this summer. Of course, that formula will greatly facilitate the exit.

Leipzig in pole position

According to the latest from Luca Bianchin, Nkunku is now getting ‘closer and closer’ to Leipzig, who have accelerated the pursuit of their former forward in recent hours. The formula should be a paid loan with an option to buy, covering the wages and giving Milan some cash.

Newcastle are still talking to Milan, as per Bianchin, but they are now considered clear ‘underdogs’ in the race for the forward. In other words, the German side have clearly come closer to the Rossoneri’s demand as far as the paid loan is concerned.

Since Nkunku is already out of Milan’s project, the feeling is that a move could materialise very soon.