RB Leipzig accelerates talks for Christopher Nkunku return while loaning Eljif Elmas to Atalanta

Leipzig pursues Nkunku return

RB Leipzig has opened direct discussions to bring French forward Christopher Nkunku back to the club on loan from AC Milan. Contact is established between both clubs as well as with the player's management. Leipzig considers the 28-year-old attacker a primary market opportunity and lists him as its top candidate for offensive reinforcements. Nkunku, who has earned 18 caps for the French national team, previously played for the German side before moving abroad. The Bundesliga club faces competition in the market, as English side Newcastle is also tracking the forward. Nkunku remains tied to AC Milan through a contract running until June 2030.

Tactical shifts at AC Milan

Nkunku joined AC Milan during the previous summer transfer window following two difficult seasons at English club Chelsea. In his first campaign in Italy, the former Paris Saint-Germain player registered eight goals and three assists in 35 competitive matches, featuring in the starting lineup seventeen times. Despite this output, Nkunku is not included in the tactical plans of Milan manager Ruben Amorim. Amorim has designated new signing Goncalo Ramos as his regular starter in that attacking role. A loan agreement with Leipzig would allow Milan to reduce its financial obligations by offloading part of Nkunku's salary, which currently stands at 5 million euros per month.

Elmas departs on loan to Atalanta

Alongside its efforts to recruit attacking talent, Leipzig has completed an outgoing transfer in midfield. The German club announced that 26-year-old midfielder Eljif Elmas has joined Serie A side Atalanta Bergamo on a loan deal covering the upcoming season. The transaction includes an option for Atalanta to purchase the player permanently. Leipzig confirmed the move just hours prior to its DFB-Pokal match against Eintracht Trier. The transfer returns the North Macedonian international to Italian football after limited appearances in Germany.

Limited spell in Leipzig

Elmas originally arrived at RB Leipzig from Italian club Napoli during the winter 2023–2024 transfer period. The midfielder made only 22 competitive appearances for the Bundesliga team during his tenure. Over the past eighteen months, Elmas was loaned out to Italian teams, playing first for Torino FC and later returning on loan to Napoli. His move to Atalanta Bergamo represents his third separate loan stint in Serie A since joining Leipzig. The German side has sanctioned the loan to provide Elmas with regular first-team minutes elsewhere.

Outgoing interest and offensive shortlist

Leipzig is actively managing potential exits and alternative offensive targets prior to the transfer deadline. Danish striker Conrad Harder may leave the club, with Leipzig management expressing a preference for a permanent sale over temporary terms. Turkish club Galatasaray recently approached Leipzig regarding a loan deal that would include an option to purchase Harder. In addition to negotiations for Nkunku, Leipzig maintains interest in other attacking candidates to strengthen the roster. Nicolo Tresoldi remains on the club's shortlist as an alternative offensive option.