Manchester United have been informed that if they are serious in their efforts to sign Christopher Nkunku, it will cost them at least £52m this summer.
The Red Devils hierarchy is thought to be keen admirers of the attacking midfielder and view him as someone who would be a welcome addition to what is currently a misfiring United attack. This season has seen Nkunku become one of the most in-demand players across Europe due to his stunning goal-scoring exploits for RB Leipzig.
After netting a brace against Atalanta in the recent Europa League quarter-final, Nkunku's tally now sits at a frankly astonishing 30 goals and 18 assists in 43 games across all competitions this term. With plenty of games still to come for the Bundesliga outfit, that number is expected to grow before the season's close.
Recent reports have claimed that United actually opted to send scouts to Bergamo, Italy to watch Nkunku strut his stuff against Atalanta - meaning they are almost certain to have been impressed with what they witnessed.
German outlet SportBILD suggest that Leipzig have no intention of losing their star man this summer, especially in the wake of club executive Oliver Mintzlaff declaring that the 24-year-old "will also play for us next season."
However, the report goes on to explain how Leipzig do not deem Nkunku priceless and would therefore be willing to part ways with the former Paris Saint-Germain star if United - or any other potential suitor, meet their asking price.
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Unfortunately from a United perspective, there are significant administrative obstacles that make getting this deal over the line significantly more challenging, as per BILD.
Nkunku is regarded as a 'non-European Union' foreigner. In turn, this makes securing a work permit for the midfielder notably more difficult. His status as a non-EU figure could cause some confusion given Nkunku has already made two caps for the France national side.
This does not rule out the potential switch by any means, but simply gives the United hierarchy something extra to consider before making their move for his signature. The main issue remains Leipzig's asking price and the likelihood of it rising as Nkunku's performances continue to improve.
United are expecting somewhat of a mass exodus of attackers in the summer, with the likes of Edinson Cavani, Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial all expected to leave while question marks continue to linger over the respective futures of Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford if Champions League football is not on the table next term.
