Transfer Profile: Christopher Nkunku


Christopher Nkunku


By James Reid

Christopher Nkunku has been one of Europe’s standout forwards this season, and it’s no surprise that there are a queue of clubs lining up for his services. 

Nkunku netted 20 league goals for RB Leipzig last season along with 13 assists leading to the 2021-22 Bundesliga Player of the Season award, and stood out with his ability as an all-round forward. 

Who is Nkunku? 

24-year-old Nkunku may have rose to prominence this season but the Frenchman has been showing his talent for some time now. 

Nkunku arrived at Leipzig from PSG in 2019 after playing a bit-part role for the Parisians. 

His first season in Germany was impressive, with five goals and 13 assists, but it is this year that Nkunku has asserted himself as one of Europe’s premier forwards.

Now, the question for Nkunku is whether he has outgrown eastern Germany and is ready for a new challenge. 

What would he bring to Arsenal? 

Arsenal desperately need a forward, and there is no doubt from the numbers and performances produced by the Frenchman that Nkunku is one of the very best available this summer. 

Nkunku is not an orthodox number nine, having previously operated in central midfield and out wide and would likely need Mikel Arteta to build his side around the 24-year-old. 

The Frenchman is perhaps better understood as a support striker, relying more on his movement and technical ability than the physicality often required to lead the line in the Premier League.

However, the likes of Gabriel Jesus and Roberto Firmino have shown that this is not a necessity if the system is adapted to allow the forward to drop deep into space.

Would he be a good fit? 

If Nkunku was to arrive at the Emirates, it would likely hinge on a slight change of system, drawing Nkunku deeper and pushing wingers such as Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli further on. 

This is something that would certainly be within the capability of Arsenal’s current personnel, and would particularly benefit someone like Martinelli – while Arteta is already familiar with such systems from working with Pep Guardiola. 

The likely sticking point is whether Nkunku sees Arsenal as a step up from Leipzig. 

While there is no doubt that Arsenal are a club on the up, the failure to qualify for the Champions League could prove fatal to hopes to lure Nkunku to the club. 

There will likely be a host of other clubs interested in the Frenchman, including many who can offer a seat at Europe’s top table, and that may extinguish any hopes of Nkunku arriving at the Emirates. 

Conclusion 

There is little doubt that Nkunku would be an excellent addition for Arsenal, the issue is whether it would be a viable transfer. 

Europe’s very best will likely be after the Frenchman’s signature and that could push Arsenal to the back of the queue. 

However, should a move for the 24-year-old be possible, it would seem a no-brainer for Mikel Arteta given his side’s striking issues. 

Image: Getty Images

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