Mikel Arteta Christopher Nkunku Arsenal
(Credit: Imago, Getty Images)
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Sun 11 May 2025 10:08, UK
Christopher Nkunku looks all-but certain to leave Chelsea this summer and is likely to be on Arsenal’s transfer shortlist, sources have told Football Insider.
Chelsea’s squad is set for big changes this summer and Nkunku is set to be pushed towards the exit after being unable to hold down a regular spot in Enzo Maresca‘s side, particularly in the Premier League.
Just seven of Nkunku’s 22 starts this term have come in the league, with the Frenchman a regular in the Europa Conference League and domestic cups for the Blues amid a difficult spell at Stamford Bridge.
Now, sources have told Football Insider that Nkunku is “fully expected” to push for a move away from Chelsea this summer, and Arsenal are one of the clubs who see him as an option to bolster their attack.
The Gunners are on the hunt for forward reinforcements this summer, and while Nkunku isn’t be at the top of their shortlist, Football Insider sources have said Mikel Arteta could yet turn to the 27-year-old.
Enzo Maresca shouting during a Chelsea game
Enzo Maresca hasn’t used Nkunku as a regular starter this season (Credit: Imago)
Christopher Nkunku transfer a last resort for Arsenal
Former Man United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider last month that Nkunku will “definitely” leave Chelsea at season’s end, but a return to the Bundesliga is more far likely than to a Premier League rival.
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Sources have now told Football Insider that with Nkunku all-but certain to be on the move, Arsenal won’t be at the front of queue to sign him despite their evident need to create more depth in the final third.
Football Insider sources have also said Chelsea won’t be in a hurry to sell Nkunku to their rivals Arsenal, and it’s far likelier that he moves to his native France or completes a potential switch to Bayern Munich.
Chelsea
Just three of Nkunku’s 14 goals this season have come in the Premier League (Credit: Imago)
Arsenal to aim higher than Nkunku in number nine chase
Nkunku’s addition to a threadbare Chelsea frontline hasn’t made much of an impact, and he’d therefore struggle to displace Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, Mikel Merino and Kai Havertz at the Gunners.
Arsenal need an upgrade on their current options, and with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins keen on a move to the Emirates this summer, he’ll fit the bill to a much greater extent than Nkunku ever could.
A potential hijack of Matheus Cunha’s move to Man United could also be on the cards for Arsenal, and while neither he nor Nkunku are out-and-out centre-forwards, the Brazilian’s form in a poor Wolves side this season has made him a much more attractive signing than Nkunku.
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