Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku is reportedly looking to leave Stamford Bridge after struggling for minutes under manager Enzo Maresca. With Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Manchester United cooling their interest, can Chelsea offload Nkunku this summer for €35 million?
Christopher Nkunku’s future at Chelsea looks increasingly uncertain as the French forward reportedly seeks a move away from Stamford Bridge this summer. Having struggled to make a significant impact since his big-money move from RB Leipzig, the 27-year-old is keen to rediscover his form and secure more playing time in order to boost his chances for France’s future international appearances. But with Chelsea’s increasing depth in attack, Nkunku finds himself on the outskirts of manager Enzo Maresca’s plans.
After an injury-plagued first season, Nkunku has faced further challenges this campaign, with Maresca reportedly asking him to train as a defensive midfielder—a role that clearly hasn’t suited the versatile attacker. With his game time diminishing and his World Cup dreams at risk, Nkunku is eager to leave Chelsea in search of more consistent minutes on the field.
According to L’Equipe, Nkunku has informed Chelsea of his desire to leave, with the Blues reportedly setting a price tag of €35 million for the forward. This relatively modest sum, considering Nkunku’s pedigree and potential, could make him an attractive prospect for several top clubs. However, while there is no shortage of suitors, the list of interested parties appears to be shrinking.
The Shortlist of Interested Clubs
A number of Premier League clubs were initially linked with Nkunku, including Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United. However, interest from these clubs has cooled in recent months. Liverpool, in particular, opted for Benfica’s Darwin Nuñez over Nkunku in the summer of 2022 and are not expected to reignite their interest this summer. Manchester United and Inter Milan both made inquiries earlier in the year but have yet to submit formal bids.
One club that remains reportedly interested in Nkunku’s services is Bayern Munich. Despite the German champions having other priorities, Nkunku’s ability to contribute both as a forward and a versatile attacking option still makes him an appealing addition to their squad.
Chelsea’s Determination to Offload Nkunku
Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Nkunku is largely driven by the need to clear up space in their squad, particularly after bolstering their attacking options with the arrivals of new signings. With a contract running until 2029, Nkunku still has several years left at Stamford Bridge, but a move away could be the best solution for both player and club.
In his time at RB Leipzig, Nkunku was one of the most sought-after talents in Europe, thriving in the Bundesliga with 20+ goal seasons, which helped elevate his reputation as one of the continent’s brightest forwards. A return to form at a club that can guarantee him more playing time seems imperative for the Frenchman, especially with his national team aspirations in mind.
While Chelsea remains firm on their asking price of €35 million, the window is fast closing for Nkunku to secure his move away from London. Whether a Premier League club or a European giant like Bayern Munich, Nkunku’s next destination will have a significant impact on his career trajectory.
Chelsea’s Forward Reinforcements and Nkunku’s Future
Nkunku’s departure would mark another shift in Chelsea’s forward line, which has seen major investments in recent seasons. With Maresca’s plans possibly steering away from Nkunku’s playing style, the Frenchman is left to assess the best possible option for his next step.
As the summer transfer window edges closer, it remains to be seen whether any club will meet Chelsea’s asking price for Nkunku. For now, the player’s future remains up in the air, with only a few clubs left in the race to secure his signature.
