AC Milan are reportedly ready to battle Manchester United for the signature of RB Leipzig attacker Christopher Nkunku during this summer's transfer window.
The 24-year-old's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, with a number of clubs believed to be keen to sign him in the upcoming market.
Nkunku has starred for Leipzig during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring 30 goals and registering 20 assists in 47 appearances in all competitions.
Man United continue to be strongly linked with the France international, with Ralf Rangnick believed to have recommended that the club sign him during this summer's transfer window.
Rangnick will continue to lead the Red Devils on an interim basis for the remainder of the season before taking on a consultancy role, where he will be involved in recruitment.
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However, according to Calciomercato, Man United will have strong competition from Milan for the signature of Nkunku in the upcoming market.
The report claims that the attacker's agent Pini Zahavi is already working on an exit for his client this summer, and there are a number of clubs believed to be keen on his signature.
The Serie A giants would have a significant budget this summer if their proposed Bahraini takeover is completed, with the club potentially spending as much as €300m (£249m) ahead of next season.
Arsenal and Inter Milan have also been credited with an interest in Nkunku, who is capable of operating in a number of different positions in the final third of the field.
Offers in the region of £52m would allegedly be considered by Leipzig, but Man United could potentially miss out on the chance to sign him, as they will almost certainly not be able to offer Champions League football during the 2022-23 campaign.
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Nkunku has starred in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 17 goals and registering 15 assists in 31 appearances, while he netted seven times and provided two assists in six appearances in the group stage of the Champions League.
The Frenchman has operated in a number of different positions for his German club this term, featuring off both the left and the right, in addition to playing through the middle.
Nkunku only has little over two years left to run on his contract at Leipzig, meaning that the Bundesliga side are not in a strong position when it comes to his future, unless they can convince him to sign an extension.
Man United interim head coach Ralf Rangnick recently said that two new forwards could arrive at Old Trafford during this summer's transfer window.
Cristiano Ronaldo's future is unclear, meanwhile, with Real Madrid believed to be interested in re-signing their record goalscorer ahead of the 2022-23 campaign.
Matt Law
