Roma had already pursued Christopher Nkunku in January, but now that the former Chelsea man is out of Milan’s plans, they could attempt another €30m swoop rather than Rodrigo Mora.
Multiple sources today confirm that coach Ruben Amorim met with patron Gerry Cardinale and presented a list of the players he no longer wanted in the squad.
GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – JULY 25: AC Milan Manager Ruben Amorim during the Celtic v AC Milan match in a pre-season friendly at Celtic Park on July 25, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)
Somewhat surprisingly, considering he was used regularly in pre-season friendly tests, that includes Nkunku.
The Rossoneri made a big investment to bring him in right at the end of the transfer session last summer, paying €37m plus up to €5m in add-ons and a percentage of the future sale fee to Chelsea.
Nkunku already targeted by Roma
GENOA, ITALY – MAY 17: Christopher Nkunku of Milan scores a goal on a penalty kick during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and AC Milan at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on May 17, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
In order to not generate a net loss on the player, they would need to bring in at least €30m from the sale.
MilanNews, Fabrizio Romano, and Calciomercato all point to a likely solution in the form of Roma.
MILAN, ITALY – DECEMBER 28: Christopher Nkunku of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team’s second goal from the penalty spot during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Hellas Verona FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Gian Piero Gasperini has long been an admirer of the France international, who could be used on the left wing, as a centre-forward or a support striker.
Nkunku already has some Serie A experience, which is a useful extra, and the fact his contract runs to June 2030 means a loan with option or obligation to buy is also a possibility.
Roma are currently stuck in talks with FC Porto for Rodrigo Mora at €10m for the loan and €40m option to buy, as they cannot agree on what conditions would activate the obligation.
Nkunku would be cheaper and easier to secure, but there is a big problem because he turns 29 in November.
Gasperini confirmed that the club hierarchy is trying to find young, promising players who can be developed, rather than targeting known stars.