Arsenal are ready to smash their transfer record in order to beat Manchester United to £100m-rated RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku.
The Frenchman scored 35 times and provided 16 assists in 50 matches for Leipzig last season and he’s attracted interest from across Europe.
The forward joined Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 and his game has gone from strength to strength since his move to Germany, where he has transitioned from a midfielder to a forward.
Ralf Rangnick advised United to sign Nkunku before departing the club at the end of last season and the board took his advice seriously by making discreet enquiries to the German club.
However, Leipzig are desperate to keep Nkunku and they’ve set a prohibitively high asking price of £100million in order to let the forward leave.
United consider that a price too high to pay this summer given they have a number of other areas that require urgent attention, such as central midfield.
But the Independent claim Arsenal are willing to meet Leipzig’s asking price as they fear the competition for his signature will be even greater next summer.
Mikel Arteta has been promised funds to strengthen his attack following Alexandre Lacazette’s departure and the club are working on a deal for Gabriel Jesus.
But the interest in the Manchester City ace is severe and Arsenal are exploring alternatives to the Brazilian.
The bad news for Arsenal is that Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be willing to pay Leipzig’s asking price to sign their one-time forward.
Leipzig are trying to convince Nkunku that his career would be best served by another season in Germany and they’re willing to hand him a new contract with a release clause to satisfy his ambition to move.
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