Christopher Nkunku linked with RB Leipzig, Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund as AC Milan consider loan

Christopher Nkunku could leave AC Milan in the summer transfer window, with RB Leipzig, Newcastle United and Borussia Dortmund emerging as potential destinations, according to reports published on 18 August 2026.

Nkunku is reportedly out of Ruben Amorim’s plans at AC Milan and has attracted multiple offers as he seeks a new club; his previous spell at RB Leipzig is noted alongside his move to Chelsea in 2023. The striker’s situation has prompted interest from several sides while AC Milan evaluate how to proceed with a player who arrived at San Siro last summer.

RB Leipzig have made contact with Nkunku’s entourage in recent hours and, according to Sportitalia transfer specialist Gianluigi Longari, the Bundesliga club would like to re-sign him and have been ‘‘pressing’’ for a deal. Reports add that Leipzig are exploring a loan as the mechanism to bring the forward back to Germany.

Newcastle United have held internal discussions about adding Nkunku as an attacking option, with The Athletic reporting that his name has been suggested to the club. The conversations follow head coach Matthias Jaissle’s period of assessment of his squad, and Newcastle view an experienced forward capable of operating across the front line as a potential reinforcement, though Nkunku is not described as a confirmed target.

Borussia Dortmund are also listed among the clubs showing interest in Nkunku as AC Milan prepare to part ways after only one season with the player. Dortmund revisited their attacking options after abandoning a long-running pursuit of Köln winger Said El Mala, and Nkunku’s ability to play as a No.10, a second striker or across the forward line is cited as relevant to their considerations; his current wage is noted as a possible obstacle.

Transfer-background reporting states Nkunku moved to San Siro from Chelsea last summer for a fee in excess of €30 million. Sources say AC Milan are open to loaning the forward, which frames the negotiations under discussion between the player’s representatives and interested clubs.

Sportitalia’s Gianluigi Longari and other outlets report that RB Leipzig have pressed to re-sign Nkunku while AC Milan are prepared to consider a loan move, leaving a temporary transfer as the primary option being explored at present.