Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images

Christopher Nkunku Completes Move, Set to Join AC Milan on a 5-year Deal

Credit: Lee Smith-Reuters via Imagn Images

AC Milan have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign Christopher Nkunku in a deal worth £36 million (€42 million), including add-ons. The French forward is set to join the Serie A giants on a five-year contract after agreeing to take a pay cut. A sell-on clause has also been included in the transfer agreement.

Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig for £52 million in 2023. He endured a challenging spell in London due to recurring injuries and limited game time. He started only nine Premier League matches last season and was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s Conference League final win against Real Betis in May.

🚨🔴⚫️ Understand the total package for Christopher Nkunku to AC Milan can reach €42m, add-ons included.

Chelsea accept initial fixed fee higher than €35m plus add-ons. pic.twitter.com/mVYJ59Y7IW
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 28, 2025

The 27-year-old managed only 18 goals and five assists in 62 appearances throughout all competitions during his two-year stay at Stamford Bridge. Speaking about the forward’s future, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca recently admitted both Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson were seeking moves.

Maresca said, “Christo is with us, like Nico. But it’s the same answer… In case they are not here it means they have found a solution. At the end I think it’s always better if they can find a solution because I think they are going to be more happy and the club the same.”

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How Does Christopher Nkunku Move Affect Chelsea?

The departure of Nkunku marks another major outgoing for Chelsea. The club has already raised an estimated £309 million this summer to comply with UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules. This figure comfortably offsets their £277 million in new signings.

The Blues were required to maintain a positive transfer balance following a €31 million fine from UEFA earlier this year. The sale will allow Chelsea to continue reshaping their squad under Maresca. Talks are ongoing with Manchester United for Alejandro Garnacho.

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The Argentine is valued between £35m and £40m. The Blues are also monitoring Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. Meanwhile, Nicolas Jackson could leave on loan, with Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Napoli among the interested parties.

Nkunku leaves Chelsea having won the FIFA Club World Cup and Conference League during his short spell. AC Milan, who finished eighth in Serie A last season, will hope the Frenchman can rediscover the form that made him a star at Leipzig. They are determined to return to Europe’s elite competitions.

AC Milan

Chelsea

Christopher Nkunku

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.