Christopher Nkunku Set for AC Milan Switch as €35M Deal Reaches Final Stage

The transfer saga that has captivated European football reaches its climax as Christopher Nkunku edges closer to a permanent move from Chelsea to AC Milan. The French international has verbally agreed to join the Rossoneri in a deal worth €35 million plus add-ons, marking what could be a pivotal moment in both his career and Milan’s summer transfer strategy.

The Deal That Changes Everything

Christopher Nkunku to AC Milan represents more than just another transfer – it’s a statement of intent from both clubs as they seek to reshape their futures. Deal verbally agreed in principle between the clubs, with AC Milan and Chelsea set to prepare documents today, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano’s latest exclusive report.

The agreement comes after intensive negotiations that saw Milan successfully navigate Chelsea’s initial asking price of around £34.5 million, ultimately settling on a package that works for all parties involved. The fee will be in the region of €35m with add-ons, representing a significant investment in Milan’s attacking future while providing Chelsea with crucial funds for their ongoing squad restructuring.

Transfer Structure and Financial Details

The carefully negotiated deal demonstrates modern football’s complex financial landscape and Milan’s strategic approach to the transfer market:

This structure allows Milan to manage their financial commitments while securing a player who could transform their attacking options for years to come.

Nkunku’s Journey to San Siro

The 27-year-old French international’s path to Milan has been marked by challenges and unfulfilled potential at Stamford Bridge. Despite joining Chelsea from RB Leipzig for £52 million in 2023, Christopher Nkunku has struggled to make the consistent impact many expected, managing just 18 goals and five assists in 62 appearances across all competitions.

His time at Chelsea has been plagued by injuries, tactical mismatches, and intense competition for places in a squad that has undergone constant evolution under multiple managers. The opportunity to join Milan represents a fresh start in a World Cup year, when regular playing time becomes crucial for maintaining international aspirations.

Why Milan Appeals to Nkunku

Several factors have made Milan an attractive destination for the versatile attacker:

Professional Advantages:

• Guaranteed regular playing time and central role
• Champions League football and European exposure
• Tactical system that suits his versatile skill set
• Opportunity to work with experienced Italian coaching methods

Personal Motivations:

• Chance to rejuvenate career ahead of 2026 World Cup
• New challenge in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues
• Association with one of football’s most prestigious clubs
• Escape from Chelsea’s overcrowded attacking department

Milan’s Strategic Masterstroke

For AC Milan, securing Christopher Nkunku addresses several critical needs as they prepare for the 2025-26 season. The club endured a difficult campaign last term, finishing eighth in Serie A and starting the new season with a disappointing defeat to Cremonese.

The Rossoneri’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements had taken several turns, with initial agreements for Victor Boniface failing due to medical issues and Conrad Harder’s move stalling due to Sporting CP’s replacement search. Nkunku’s availability presented an opportunity too good to pass up.

Tactical Integration and Role

Milan’s tactical approach under their current management creates the perfect environment for Nkunku to flourish:

His versatility allows Milan to deploy him across multiple attacking positions, providing tactical flexibility that could prove crucial across a long season featuring domestic and European competitions.

The Chelsea Perspective

From Chelsea’s standpoint, Christopher Nkunku’s departure represents both necessity and opportunity. The club’s extensive squad overhaul under Enzo Maresca has left several players, including Nkunku, on the periphery of first-team plans.

The French forward was notably absent from Chelsea’s opening two Premier League squads, sending clear signals about his standing in the new manager’s hierarchy. His sale provides funds for Chelsea’s continued rebuild while clearing space in an overcrowded attacking department.

Financial Benefits for Chelsea

The permanent nature of this deal particularly suits Chelsea’s objectives:

• Immediate capital injection for new signings
• Wage bill reduction with Nkunku’s departure
• Avoid loan complications that could resurface next season
• Clear squad space for incoming targets like Xavi Simons

Competition and Alternative Options

Milan’s successful pursuit of Christopher Nkunku came despite interest from several other European clubs. Bayern Munich had explored a loan deal with obligation to buy, while RB Leipzig offered the appeal of a return to familiar surroundings where he previously excelled.

Aston Villa and other Premier League clubs also monitored his situation, but Milan’s combination of prestigious history, regular playing time guarantee, and Champions League football proved decisive factors in securing his signature.

Why Milan Won the Race

Several factors tipped the scales in Milan’s favor:

• Immediate Role: Guaranteed central position in attacking plans
• Project Appeal: Involvement in Milan’s rebuilding ambitions
• European Football: Champions League participation confirmed
• Serie A Experience: Opportunity to prove himself in new environment

Contract Details and Personal Terms

Nkunku said yes to 5 year contract yesterday, demonstrating his commitment to the Milan project. The agreement reportedly includes a pay cut from his Chelsea terms, highlighting his determination to prioritize playing time and career development over pure financial considerations.

The five-year deal provides both parties with long-term security and the opportunity to build something substantial together. For Milan, it represents a significant statement of intent in their efforts to return to elite European competition consistently.

Impact on Both Clubs

This transfer carries significant implications for both institutions involved in the deal.

For AC Milan

• Attacking Reinforcement: Addresses critical need for goal-scoring threat
• Tactical Flexibility: Versatile player who can adapt to different systems
• Experience Addition: Proven performer at highest level brings valuable know-how
• Statement Signing: Demonstrates ambition to compete with Italy’s elite

For Chelsea

• Squad Streamlining: Reduces oversized attacking department
• Financial Benefits: Generates funds for priority signings
• Wage Savings: Significant reduction in salary commitments
• Clear Pathway: Opens space for youth development and new signings

Medical and Final Steps

With verbal agreement reached and documents being prepared today, attention now turns to the formal completion process. Nkunku is expected to travel to Italy for medical examinations imminently, with all parties confident of swift completion.

The medical represents the final hurdle in what has been an intensive negotiation period, though no complications are anticipated given the player’s recent fitness levels and Chelsea’s medical clearance.

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