RB Leipzig's summer has been defined by a frantic search for attacking reinforcements, and that pursuit may finally be nearing a resolution. According to Sky, the club has agreed terms with AC Milan for a loan deal with an option to buy for Christopher Nkunku, the French forward who lit up the Bundesliga during his first spell at the club between 2019 and 2023. Nkunku scored 70 goals and provided 56 assists in 172 appearances for Leipzig, winning the Bundesliga golden boot in 2022/23, and his potential return would represent a significant boost for coach Martín Demichelis.

The need for a quality attacker has been urgent all summer. Leipzig sold Yan Diomande to Real Madrid for a reported 125 million euros, then watched their replacement plans unravel repeatedly. A move for Fisnik Asllani collapsed at the medical stage, while Said El Mala committed his future to Cologne by signing a new contract until 2031, ending weeks of speculation that had linked him with a move to Saxony.

At least Leipzig opened their competitive season with authority. They beat fourth-tier Eintracht Trier 6-0 away in the DFB-Pokal first round on August 22, a result that provided some relief after mixed pre-season form that included a 1-3 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Telekom Cup. Defender Lutsharel Geertruida remains on the periphery of the squad and appears likely to leave on loan.

Leipzig host Borussia Moenchengladbach in their Bundesliga opener on August 29, and Demichelis will hope the Nkunku deal is confirmed before that fixture.