MN: A sliding doors moment – Nkunku steps up after Mateta disappointment

AC Milan made a substantial effort to sign Jean-Philippe Mateta in the January mercato, and now his compatriot Christopher Nkunku may be stepping up.

After joining in the summer, there were questions about whether Nkunku was the man needed for Massimiliano Allegri’s frontline. So, it seemed that he could leave in January to make room for Mateta. But a deal could not be done.

The new Mateta?

In his first chance after the mercato closed, though, the Frenchman showed up once again, proving that he can be relied upon. With several injuries to contend with, playing in an unconventional front two, the forward made an impact against Bologna, adding another goal to his tally.

As MilanNews writes, he has scored five times in his last six appearances, stepping up with others absent. Additionally, he is showing consistency that the Rossoneri have rarely seen from forwards in the past few years.

Whilst not a target man, there were elements of that style in his game against Bologna, with him shielding the ball well and bringing others into the game. So, the report questions whether he can be the Mateta in his own way.

However, the damage may already be done with Nkunku, and there are questions about whether he could leave in the summer after the attempt to swap him for Mateta. A few months ago, this may have only been seen as a good thing; in a few months, it could look like the worst case scenario.