Christopher Nkunku has turned down interest from Manchester United and Newcastle United to make an emotional return to RB Leipzig this summer. The former Chelsea forward found himself sidelined at AC Milan under coach Ruben Amorim, prompting Premier League interest, but ultimately opted for familiarity with the Bundesliga club where he previously thrived.

According to Bild, Leipzig's sporting chief Marcel Schäfer actively pursued Nkunku throughout the summer, culminating in a season-long loan agreement. The transfer includes a €28m (£24m) option to buy, with Milan covering part of Nkunku's wages.

Key points regarding the transfer include:

• Newcastle attempted a late hijack of the deal, but Nkunku was resolute in his decision.
• The loan fee for Nkunku was approximately €3m.
• During his first spell at Leipzig, he scored 70 goals and provided 56 assists in 172 appearances.

While Manchester United expressed serious interest, Nkunku's versatility—able to play centrally, on either wing, or behind a striker—made him an appealing option for Michael Carrick. However, his recent struggles at Chelsea and Milan, compounded by injuries and tactical changes, led to his decision to return to Leipzig, where he can regain his form in a familiar system.

For United, missing out on Nkunku is not critical, as they have several attacking options and may choose to focus investments elsewhere. For Nkunku, this move represents a significant opportunity to reset his career.