AC Milan forward Christopher Nkunku could be set for a shock departure from the Serie A club, with reports suggesting a move to Turkey is already being discussed. The 28-year-old French international only joined the Italian giants in August for a fee of £36 million.
A Disappointing Spell in Italy
Nkunku's time at the San Siro has failed to ignite as hoped. After two underwhelming years at Chelsea, where he managed just six Premier League goals amid persistent fitness issues, he has struggled to find consistent form in Italy. His record for Milan stands at only two goals and two assists in 12 Serie A appearances.
According to a report from the Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, this poor return has cast significant doubt over his long-term future with the Rossoneri. The club is now reportedly considering cutting its losses on a player who has yet to justify his substantial price tag.
Fenerbahçe Emerges as Surprise Suitor
The primary interest in Nkunku is coming from Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahçe. A key factor in their pursuit is the presence of manager Domenico Tedesco, who worked with Nkunku at RB Leipzig. Tedesco oversaw a highly impressive period of development for the player during his ten-month tenure in Germany between December 2021 and September 2022.
The report states that Tedesco and Nkunku share an excellent relationship and that the manager has already made personal contact with the player. Furthermore, formal discussions between the two clubs are understood to have begun.
Financial Stalemate and Player's Dilemma
However, a significant obstacle stands in the way of any deal. AC Milan is said to want at least €35 million (approximately £30.5 million) for Nkunku, a figure Fenerbahçe is currently unwilling to match. The Turkish club would prefer an initial loan deal with an option to buy, while Milan, under manager Max Allegri, is only interested in a permanent sale.
Nkunku himself faces a personal dilemma. After such a short and turbulent spell in Milan, he is reportedly uncertain about a move to Turkey. This hesitation comes despite interest from clubs in the Middle East as well. The player is said to believe he can still force his way into Allegri's starting lineup, a sentiment bolstered by his two-goal performance in a 3-0 win over Hellas Verona last Sunday.
Allegri praised Nkunku after that match, telling DAZN: "He's a good guy who wants to do well. Today he broke his bad run and, after the penalty, scored a goal that was in his DNA. I think he can keep improving like everyone else."
Factors cited for Nkunku's slow start include adaptation issues and some niggling injuries. The report adds that the player would ideally like to remain at Milan until at least the end of the current season to prove his worth.
With Milan sitting second in Serie A after four wins in five games, and Fenerbahçe also second in the Turkish Super Lig, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining where Christopher Nkunku's immediate future lies.
