AC Milan are facing a difficult reality as their major investment in Christopher Nkunku has yet to deliver the expected impact. Less than a season into his time at San Siro, the French forward has become the subject of serious internal evaluation, with club executives now open to the possibility of an early exit.
Nkunku arrived in Milan amid high expectations after completing a late summer transfer from Chelsea. The move was seen as a statement of intent, signaling Milan’s ambition to reassert themselves among Europe’s elite. However, the reality on the pitch has fallen short of projections, prompting a reassessment of both sporting and financial priorities.
A High-Profile Transfer Under the Microscope
AC Milan committed heavily to secure Nkunku’s signature, agreeing to a deal worth €38 million plus up to €4 million in performance-related bonuses. The total package made him one of the club’s most expensive signings in recent years, placing immediate pressure on the player to justify the investment.
The expectation was clear: Nkunku would provide goals, creativity, and versatility across the front line. Instead, his first season in Italy has been marked by inconsistency and limited end product. His goal tally has remained modest, and his overall influence in decisive moments has been noticeably lower than anticipated.
What has concerned Milan’s technical staff even more is the visible gap between Nkunku’s current performances and the level he previously displayed during his peak years in Germany. That version of Nkunku, explosive and decisive, has yet to fully re-emerge at San Siro.
Concerns Extend Beyond the Pitch
According to internal reports, Nkunku’s struggles are not solely tactical or physical. Sources within the club indicate that the player has not been in an ideal emotional state, with assessments describing him as “unhappy.” This has raised concerns that personal factors may be contributing to his difficulties in adapting to life in Serie A.
Head coach Massimiliano Allegri has attempted to reintegrate Nkunku through adjusted roles and managed minutes, but progress has been limited. While Allegri continues to support the player publicly, the broader sporting management has begun to explore alternative scenarios.
As Milan approach the midpoint of the season, Nkunku’s name has reportedly been added to a list of players whose futures are under review—a significant development given the scale of his transfer only months ago.
Strategic Review Ahead of the New Year
The potential sale of Nkunku forms part of a wider strategic evaluation within AC Milan. The club’s leadership is keen to balance competitiveness with sustainability, especially after committing substantial funds in recent transfer windows.
Club CEO Giorgio Furlani is understood to have harbored reservations from the outset regarding the financial scale of the Nkunku deal. In internal discussions, he reportedly questioned whether investing nearly €40 million in a single player was prudent, particularly after other costly acquisitions earlier in the window.
“We already made a significant investment elsewhere,” Furlani previously remarked, signaling concern over cumulative risk. From his perspective, doubling down on high-value transfers increased exposure should any signing fail to meet expectations.
Igli Tare and the Agent’s Role in the Next Step
Sporting director Igli Tare, however, initially viewed Nkunku as a rare market opportunity—one worth the gamble. Now, with circumstances evolving, Tare is taking a pragmatic approach.
A meeting between Tare and Nkunku’s agent, Pini Zahavi, is scheduled to take place before the end of the year. While several high-profile players are expected to be discussed, Nkunku will be the central topic.
Tare is expected to formally ask Zahavi to explore potential buyers, effectively opening the door to Nkunku’s departure should a suitable offer emerge. The longstanding professional relationship between Tare and Zahavi could prove crucial in navigating what is likely to be a complex negotiation.
A Low-Risk Exit or a Calculated Reset?
For AC Milan, authorizing the agent to seek buyers does not necessarily guarantee an immediate sale. Instead, it represents an acknowledgment that the current situation may not be optimal for either party.
If a move materializes, Milan could use the opportunity to recalibrate their squad structure, redirecting resources toward areas of more urgent need. A sale could also help limit long-term financial exposure tied to wages and amortization.
For Nkunku, a transfer may offer a fresh start—an environment better suited to rediscovering the form that once made him one of Europe’s most coveted attackers. At 27, he remains firmly in his prime, and interest from clubs seeking a proven forward could still be significant.
Balancing Sporting Ambition and Financial Reality
The Nkunku case highlights a broader challenge facing modern elite clubs: balancing ambition with calculated risk. Milan’s recent resurgence has been built on smart recruitment and controlled spending, making the Nkunku situation a rare misstep rather than a pattern.
Allowing flexibility in the decision-making process reflects a willingness to adapt rather than persist stubbornly with an underperforming investment.
What Comes Next for Milan and Nkunku?
As January approaches, clarity is expected. Whether Nkunku stays to fight for his place or departs for a new challenge, the coming weeks will be decisive. For Milan, the outcome could shape not only their winter transfer strategy but also their long-term squad planning.
One thing is certain: the club is no longer ruling out change. In football, timing is everything—and for AC Milan and Christopher Nkunku, a pivotal moment has arrived.
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