Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur have been offered the chance to sign Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku.
According to Graeme Bailey via TBR Football, Christopher Nkunku could be on his way out of Chelsea this summer. He is not a part of the Blues’ first-team plans under Enzo Maresca, and his agent is already in talks with other clubs to find the ideal destination for his client.
While things did not work out for Nkunku at PSG, the move to RB Leipzig helped him get his career back on track. The Frenchman made a name for himself playing for the German club and then secured a big-money move to Chelsea in the summer of 2023.
The debut season did not go according to plan for him as he struggled with injuries. While he had been ever-present for Enzo Maresca this season and has been in fine form, the 27-year-old attacker has only had limited game time.
The French international has contributed towards 19 goals in his 42 outings, but he has been on the pitch for just over 2,000 minutes. He has only had 910 minutes of first-team action in the Premier League. With Christopher Nkunku directly competing with Cole Palmer for a place in the starting lineup, things are unlikely to change for him anytime soon.
The player was already considering a move away from the club last summer, and he even had opportunities to leave during the winter. While Nkunku has stayed at the club for now, his departure this summer looks very likely.
Graeme Bailey’s take on Christopher Nkunku’s future
While speaking to TBR Football about his future, Graeme Bailey said, “The player’s representatives are doing their due diligence on options – as Roy Keane would say they are ‘doing their job’ making sure all options are on the table.
“Nkunku has known since last summer that he could leave Chelsea and he almost departed in January, but this summer he will almost certainly depart Stamford Bridge. As it stands I am told that a move to Europe is the most likely option – but his people are touching base with clubs in England.”
“Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham have all been spoken to in the past few months. Chelsea want to recoup as much of their plus £50m outlay, but that looks difficult at this juncture. I am told the player is very happy in London, and so would a move to a Arsenal or Tottenham appeal?”
“I believe it would but as it stands those options are not advanced – but Arsenal and Spurs both have an historic interest in the player. Both want a wide forward, so you could see the fit. There is interest back in Germany – Bayern Munich like him, a new deal for Leroy Sane doesn’t rule out them making a move but it is not pressing. Former club RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen also admire him. Atletico Madrid have also shown some interest, as have the Saudi Pro League – who are willing to offer him a pay rise to move.”
Nkunku’s agents are already working hard to ensure he has enough options to choose from when the transfer window reopens. The Frenchman wants to continue in Europe, and his agents have been in talks with clubs in England.
Nkunku could play for another club in England
Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Tottenham are all keen on his signature. Unai Emery’s team have taken giant strides in recent seasons, and they will look to further bolster their squad in the summer. With Marcus Rashford’s permanent move difficult and Marco Asensio likely to return to PSG, they do need more firepower on the flanks, and Nkunku could certainly help their cause.
But Arsenal and Tottenham might have an advantage in his race as he prefers staying in London. Both clubs have expressed interest in him in the past. The Gunners did consider signing him during the winter, while Spurs made an enquiry about him.
Both clubs are expected to be in the market for a new winger this summer, and the Chelsea forward could prove to be a valuable addition. Not only would he strengthen their options outwide, but he could also offer quality in the number ten role.
While a move to another Premier League outfit looks likely, he could also choose to explore other leagues as there are multiple top clubs who want to sign him.