RB Leipzig are now ready to offer Christopher Nkunku a release clause active from 2023 to sign a new contract and snub reported transfer interest from Arsenal in the summer sales.
That’s according to Sky Germany, who report the Bundesliga outfit are fighting to convince Nkunku to stay for another year. The Frenchman will enter the final 24-months of his deal in June and he has attracted a raft of suitors after a sensational season in Saxony this term.
The 24-year-old has offered 27 goals and 17 assists across 40 appearances ahead of facing Atalanta on Thursday. Die Roten Bullen got a free pass to the Europa League quarter-finals after UEFA booted Spartak Moscow out of the competition after suspending Russian sides.
He also made his senior France debut in the March break, before returning to Leipzig and scoring and assisting twice to beat Borussia Dortmund 4-1. Now, Red Bull Arena chiefs are eager to see the Lagny-sur-Marne native commit to at least one more season at the club.
RB Leipzig to offer Arsenal target Nkunku £54m exit clause to delay move to 2023
RB Leipzig are preparing to offer Nkunku a new contract containing a pay rise to ward off reported transfer interest from clubs like Arsenal. They hope he will consider the proposal by including a release clause of between €60-65m (£50-54m) and is only active from 2023.
Managing director Oliver Mintzlaff wants to see Nkunku stay in Domenico Tedesco’s side next term to truly rival Bayern Munich. They sought to launch a Bundesliga title challenge this season. But a difficult start under Jesse Marsch saw the American fired in December.
Marsch’s assistant Achim Beierlorzer lauded Nkunku for his ‘exceptional’ season before he departed, too. While ESPN noted Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are interested in Nkunku’s transfer from RB Leipzig. But Bild add Mintzlaff wants €75m (£62.5m) this year.
The Gunners may also face competition from Nkunku’s former side, as Foot Mercato note Paris Saint-Germain want him back. President Nasser Al-Khelaifi has marked the versatile star as his priority target, and has additionally opened talks with Nkunku’s representatives.
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