Latest Liverpool news and rumours including rumoured striker target Christopher Nkunku
Comments
Sport
Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea has been linked with a move to Liverpool
Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea has been linked with a move to Liverpool
(Image: Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Liverpool have emerged as a surprise contender to sign Chelsea outcast Christopher Nkunku this summer according to the latest reports, although the 27-year-old hasn't featured for his current club in nearly a month.
Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 and is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2029. However, a series of injuries over the past two years has severely disrupted his progress, limiting him to just 56 appearances across all competitions.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Nkunku could be available for around £50 million this summer, with Liverpool reportedly entering the race for his signature. His versatility is said to appeal to head coach Arne Slot, though Bayern Munich and Newcastle United are also believed to be monitoring the situation.
READ MORE: Mohamed Salah speaks out on Trent Alexander-Arnold abuse - 'not how we act'READ MORE: Federico Chiesa Liverpool future latest - Arne Slot admission, agent stance and Napoli interest
That said, Nkunku’s ongoing fitness concerns could prove to be a stumbling block for any club considering a move this summer. The forward has made 42 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring 14 goals, a notable improvement on his debut campaign, where he managed just 14 appearances and three goals.
However, he hasn’t featured for Chelsea since their UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final second leg against Legia Warszawa on April 17. Nkunku played the full 90 minutes in that match but has been sidelined ever since.
He was included in the matchday squad for the Premier League clash with Everton a few weeks later, but remained on the bench. Shortly afterward, he picked up a knock during training ahead of Chelsea’s Conference League semi-final first leg against Djurgarden and has been ruled out since.
Nkunku has yet to return to full training, and with just two Premier League games remaining, as well as the Conference League final, he may not feature again this season.
“Christo [Nkunku] is still out,” Enzo Maresca confirmed in his pre-Manchester United press conference on Thursday, indicating the forward is no closer to making a return.