Manchester United have been urged to complete a swap deal for a ‘dedicated’ star this summer after reports emerged earlier in the window.
Manchester United have kicked off the summer transfer window with intent, securing Matheus Cunha early and actively chasing a deal for Bryan Mbeumo.
While both players would strengthen United’s attacking midfield and No.10 options, the club’s most urgent need—a proven centre-forward—remains unresolved.
Rasmus Højlund showed flashes of promise last season but struggled with consistency. Meanwhile, Joshua Zirkzee, though technically gifted, is more effective in a deeper, creative role than as a traditional No.9.
With several striker targets now appearing out of reach, United have reportedly revived their interest in Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku. Though not a natural centre-forward, Nkunku impressed in Germany, particularly during his standout 2022/23 campaign with RB Leipzig, where he thrived as a shadow striker.
United urged to complete swap deal this summer
There have been recent reports that United could work with Chelsea to see Nkunku join the club while Alejandro Garnacho heads the other way.
Ex-United striker Louis Saha thinks this is a “win-win” situation for all involved and has urged his former club to make the move happen.
“Everyone can benefit from the move. It’s a win-win. United want players who are dedicated, work hard, are eager to play and who have talent. We want players who want to play well, and there’s extra motivation in the year of a World Cup,” Saha told Coin Poker.
“I think Nkunku knows if he plays well, he can get back in the French squad for the summer. At the same time, he’s not the kind of player who disrupts the dressing room.
“As for Garnacho, if he wants to go, get rid of him. I used to be a huge fan, but that’s over. Anyone like this, if they want to go, go. Even if you lose money, it doesn’t matter, because you can bring in a player who can behave as they should.”
Nkunku deal wouldn’t be straight swap
Of course, if this kind of move was to actually materialise, it wouldn’t be a straight swap deal but instead two separate agreements between the clubs.
This has become a regular occurrence in the PSR world, as United would be able to get the pure profit from the Garnacho sale whilst spreading the cost of the Nkunku deal over multiple years.
Even then, a deal for Nkunku doesn’t seem to make much sense as he is not a natural centre-forward and would play better in the no.10 roles, where Cunha and Mbeumo are set to play.
It does feel like a deal that United can fall back on if other options do not work out, but it certainly shouldn’t be the priority for those at Old Trafford.
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