Ornstein green-lights imminent PL deal which paves way for United to sign £52m star hailed as the ‘ideal’ forward

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·30 June 2025

Ornstein green-lights imminent PL deal which paves way for United to sign £52m star hailed as the ‘ideal’ forward

Chelsea are expected to add João Pedro to their ranks in time for their Club World Cup quarter-final tie at the end of the week.

The Blues have had a bid in excess of £50 million accepted by Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday to further bolster Enzo Maresca’s attacking contingent. Pedro had garnered concrete interest from Newcastle United, but made it clear he had his heart set on a move to Stamford Bridge.

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United granted free run at out-of-favour Christopher Nkunku

Nkunku has grown accustomed to playing second fiddle to Nicolas Jackson. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Now, such a transfer will pave the way for Manchester United to seal a deal of their own.

After being linked with a temporary deal for the forward in January, the Red Devils have reportedly re-added Christopher Nkunku to their shortlist amid their ongoing centre-forward search.

Nkunku, who is keen to leave Chelsea in order to secure increased game time elsewhere, is poised to play a further reduced role when 23-year-old Pedro is available for selection.

INEOS revive Nkunku interest — to fans’ dismay

Only a week ago United were linked with Nkunku — hailed as an ‘ideal’ frontman by Maresca — again when The Telegraph claimed the two Premier League rivals were considering a transfer that would see the Frenchman make the switch to M16 and Alejandro Garnacho, in turn, to the London outfit.

It was later suggested that a swap deal was less likely than United just tabling an offer for the wantaway attacker, whom Chelsea forked out £52 million for back in June 2023.

Nkunku, 27, has since accumulated 59 appearances, scoring 18 goals and assisting a further five. Unrelenting injury woes prevented him from being able to nail down a starting spot, hence growing frustrated with his inability to prove himself.

It remains to be seen whether United will now jump at the chance to seal Nkunku at a potentially cut-price fee in the aftermath of Pedro’s move.