Bayern Munich targets RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku as Serge Gnabry's replacement

According to reports by Sport1, Christopher Nkunku has emerged as a potential target for Bayern Munich this summer. Julien Naglesmann is a big fan of the player due to their time in Leipzig. His exceptional form since moving to Germany earned him a call-up to the national team. Didier Deschamps has been watching the player for some time. Deschamps claimed that he could have been on the list last November when Les Bleus claimed wins over Kazakhstan and Finland in the FIFA World Cup qualifying rounds. But the 24-year-old will get his opportunity to make his senior debut in upcoming friendlies against Cote d’Ivoire and South Africa.

The former Paris Saint Germain forward has been terrific since arriving in Leipzig in 2019 and has tallied 80G/A in 123 games. He has continued his excellent form this season with 26 goals and 15 assists in 39 appearances. No wonder why Bayern see him as an alternative should they fail to agree to a deal with Serge Gnabry. A problem that arises, however, is Nkunku’s price tag. The Frenchman is valued at 70 million euros, but Gnabry’s departure in the summer could help raise funds if he were to leave for a similar amount. Nkunku shares an agent with Robert Lewandowski in Pini Zahavi, which could be pivotal in any transfer talks.

The last eight months have been productive for Bayern Munich regarding contract renewals. After losing David Alaba to Real Madrid on a free transfer, Die Roten has since moved quickly to secure the futures of Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, and Kingsley Coman.

Serge Gnabry has less than 18 months left on his current deal with the Bavarians. The 25-year-old, however, doesn’t feel appreciated enough in Munich as his contract talks are behind deals for stalwarts like Manuel Neuer, Thomas Muller, and Robert Lewandowski on the scale of preference. Talks have stalled between Gnabry and Bayern, but the club would be wary of losing another key player for free. Bayern will look to cut their losses if both sides fail to agree to a deal soon.

Gnabry has been inconsistent this season and has lost his place in the first team to Kingsley Coman. Naglesmann has challenged the attacker to show more stability and maturity. Various clubs have been alerted to the situation and are keeping an eye out for developments, including Real Madrid. Bayern are looking to reopen talks with Gnabry, but reports suggest he wants to be on the same salary scale as Leroy Sane and Kingsley Coman, which could be a problem.

Nkunku isn’t the only player on Bayern Munich’s radar. Ajax forward Antony is also seen as an option. Antony would seemingly represent a cheaper option than Nkunku, but both players would cost more than a new deal for Gnabry, even with a pay rise.