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Christopher Nkunku is on the verge of heading back to Germany after RB Leipzig reached an agreement in principle with AC Milan for the striker's transfer. The French forward, 28, has been considered surplus to requirements at San Siro under head coach Ruben Amorim, opening the door for his former club to put together a deal involving an initial loan and an option to make it permanent.

Terms agreed for forward's return

As per Sky Germany, RB Leipzig and AC Milan have settled on a €3m loan fee for Nkunku, along with an option to turn the France international's move into a permanent one for €27m.

Nkunku moved to Milan from Chelsea in August 2025 for €37m, with a further €5m in possible bonuses, but his time in Italy has not matched expectations. After slipping down the pecking order during pre-season, the France international was omitted from the squad for Sunday's Serie A opening match against Torino. Talks are now at the final stage, with only small details still to be sorted before Nkunku can seal his return to Leipzig.

Amorim rebuild reshapes Milan squad

The transfer comes as Amorim presses ahead with a rapid reshaping of the Rossoneri squad since his arrival. After a disappointing campaign in which the club failed to qualify for the Champions League, the Portuguese manager has adopted a ruthless stance in reducing his squad.

Nkunku produced only eight goals and three assists in 35 appearances last season, finding it difficult to secure a regular starting spot ahead of Rafael Leao and Christian Pulisic. With Goncalo Ramos also part of the attacking options, Amorim decided the former Paris Saint-Germain player was not in his long-term plans.

Newcastle maintain late transfer interest

Although Leipzig remain the clear favourites to complete the deal, Newcastle United are continuing to monitor developments closely. The Premier League club have made contact behind the scenes and could still present Milan with a direct permanent transfer proposal, something the Serie A side would naturally favour in order to remove his wages from the books.

However, Nkunku has prioritised a return to the Bundesliga, having previously scored 70 goals in 172 appearances during his first highly successful spell with Leipzig before his move to London.

What's next for Nkunku

With personal terms nearing completion and both clubs in agreement over the transfer fee structure, Nkunku is expected to travel to Germany in the next few days for a medical. Unless Newcastle make a dramatic late move, the forward's return to Leipzig should be made official before the transfer window closes.