Manchester City’s aggressive recruitment strategy has often seen them target some of the brightest young talents in Europe. One name that recently emerged from the archives of their failed transfer pursuits is none other than Chelsea’s £54 million star, Christopher Nkunku. Reports now reveal that City once went so far as to send a private plane in their ambitious attempt to lure the Frenchman to the Etihad.
Before Nkunku’s eventual move to Chelsea, the Premier League champions made an audacious effort to convince him to join Pep Guardiola’s project. Sources close to the negotiations suggest that City had reached advanced stages in their pursuit and even arranged for a private jet to facilitate talks. This level of commitment showcases just how highly City rated the French attacker, who at the time was enjoying a scintillating spell at RB Leipzig.
Christopher Nkunku, now 26, has become one of the most talked-about talents in English football, even though injuries have somewhat hampered his first full season in the Premier League. Despite the setbacks, his quality is evident — a fact that Manchester City recognized early on. Guardiola reportedly identified Nkunku as a versatile option who could slot into multiple attacking roles, including as a false nine or an advanced midfielder.
Manchester City’s attempt to sign Nkunku wasn’t a mere passing interest. The club had been tracking him for multiple seasons during his rise in the Bundesliga. With Bernardo Silva’s future at that time under speculation and Kevin De Bruyne often battling fitness concerns, Guardiola saw Nkunku as a player who could not only complement City’s attack but also serve as a long-term creative engine.
But despite City’s charm offensive and luxury approach, including that now-famous private plane, Nkunku and his representatives opted for a different path. Chelsea, who were also rebuilding under new ownership, made a compelling pitch. Their offer included a leading role in a team designed to challenge for trophies in the near future, as well as a competitive financial package.
Chelsea’s move for Nkunku cost them approximately £54 million, a price that City were reportedly also willing to match. However, Chelsea’s swift negotiation tactics and promise of immediate influence in the first team tipped the scales in their favor. The Blues managed to close the deal before City could make their final push.
Nkunku’s journey since joining Chelsea has been mixed. Injuries have prevented him from enjoying a full uninterrupted run of games, but in the limited appearances he’s made, the French international has showcased flashes of brilliance. His ability to drift between the lines, his quick feet in tight spaces, and his lethal finishing have all justified why he was so highly sought after by Europe’s elite.
For Manchester City, missing out on Nkunku may not have had an immediate impact given their depth in attacking options, but it’s a rare example of a player the club truly wanted and couldn’t secure. Guardiola, a known admirer of technical and intelligent players, was said to be disappointed by the outcome. Some reports suggest that Nkunku was even given a detailed presentation of how he would fit into the team’s tactical framework.
The failed Nkunku deal might have prompted City to shift focus to other similar profiles. Their pursuit of AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, for instance, seems to mirror the same template — a young, gifted, French-speaking midfielder with flair and positional versatility. As it stands, Akliouche is being eyed as a possible long-term replacement for Bernardo Silva.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s acquisition of Nkunku has been viewed as a smart piece of business in West London. The Blues are confident that once fully fit, he will be central to their attacking plans for seasons to come. Mauricio Pochettino, if still at the helm, would no doubt relish building his system around a player of Nkunku’s caliber.
It’s also worth noting that PSG, Nkunku’s former club, had shown interest in bringing him back to Ligue 1. However, the player reportedly preferred a return to English football after previously spending time in PSG’s youth setup. This personal ambition may have further influenced his decision to snub City and opt for Chelsea.
Interestingly, Manchester United were also monitoring Nkunku around the same period. However, their interest never materialized into a formal offer. The Red Devils had other priorities in attack and midfield, which left the path clear for Chelsea and Manchester City to battle it out.
Nkunku’s story is another chapter in the ever-competitive landscape of Premier League transfers, where timing, presentation, and personal promises can often outweigh financial muscle. For Manchester City, the saga is a reminder that not every deal, no matter how meticulously planned, can be secured — even with private jets and elite scouting networks.
As Nkunku settles at Stamford Bridge and works toward regaining full fitness, both Chelsea and City will be watching his progress closely. For Chelsea, he could become a talisman. For City, he will always be the one that got away — a transfer nearly sealed but lost at the eleventh hour.
With the summer transfer window on the horizon, Manchester City have since turned their attention to other rising stars, including Franco Mastantuono and the aforementioned Akliouche. But the missed Nkunku deal remains a striking reminder that in modern football, even the best-laid plans can come undone — and sometimes, all it takes is one decisive meeting, or one appealing pitch, to swing a deal away from even the mightiest of clubs.