Christopher Nkunku is generating huge interest as Arsenal become serious challengers to secure the Chelsea striker during the off-season. Having had a tough debut campaign with Chelsea, the Frenchman continues to be a high demand all over Europe.
Nkunku signed for Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for as much as £52 million. There were expectations high at the time, having been so dominant in front of goal in Germany. That form has not carried over, though, with the 27-year-old hindered by a spate of injuries that reduced his playing time and allowed him no consistency.
Chelsea are now ready to release Nkunku to leave, with Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, and Arsenal monitoring the situation. The London club is ready to receive offers around £40 million, as reported by multiple sources. Arsenal’s interest in Nkunku points to the necessity for them to add more flexibility and depth at the attacking front. The Frenchman’s ability to feature at different attacking roles resonates with Mikel Arteta’s strategy.
Nkunku has demonstrated his goal-scoring and creating ability when provided the proper foundation. Despite his west London stint being disappointing, Arsenal are convinced the proper setting would bring out the best in him. Chelsea’s eagerness to sell him, coupled with a fairly reasonable price, makes him a plausible target for the Gunners. They see him as a potential long-term commodity who can flourish in their quick, slick attack scheme.
Nkunku willing to return to Bundesliga
Though Arsenal are interested, competition for Nkunku is intense. Bayern Munich are said to be accelerating efforts to lure the player back to Germany. Bayern view him as a perfect fit for their fast-paced game and would like to team him up with Harry Kane.
Nkunku is also familiar with the Bundesliga. He netted 58 goals during his previous two seasons while at RB Leipzig. Knowledge of the German top league means Bayern gains an edge, especially because the player is also willing to go back to the comfort of known territory.
Bayer Leverkusen are also in the running. Even if they are uncertain with manager Xabi Alonso set to leave, they desire to be competitive. Nkunku’s Bundesliga triumph makes him a viable choice as they look to the future.
🚨🔵 The plan has not changed since March: Christopher Nkunku and Chelsea are expected to part ways in the summer.
After talks in January with Bayern interested, race open again this summer with Nkunku keen on new transfer. pic.twitter.com/IQjL5AJp0O
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 5, 2025
Nkunku’s camp is putting a priority on a move in which he will get regular minutes and be able to find his best form again. Following a disappointing Chelsea season, regular minutes and a set role are his greatest demands now. Arsenal can provide both, provided he settles into Arteta’s system. The north London side can’t compete on the level of Bayern’s recent superiority, but they can offer a stable project with high ambitions.
With Champions League football guaranteed and a youthful, dynamic squad at their disposal, Arsenal are confident that they can persuade Nkunku to join. Their technical department also view him as a good fall-back option if other priorities fall through. Nkunku is among a number of players who are expected to leave Chelsea this summer. His exit now appears certain despite signing a deal until 2029. Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is presiding over another overhaul of the squad and many will be assessed by new head coach Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea’s deep investment in recent windows sees them now needing to balance their books. Relieving themselves of players such as Nkunku, who retains huge value, will be central to financing additional incomings. Nkunku is currently the subject of a transfer tug of war involving Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Bayer Leverkusen. Chelsea’s willingness to sell and the player’s need for regular football means that a transfer could happen speedily.
Arsenal are still in contention and will be willing to make a formal bid within the next few weeks. For Nkunku, a summer transfer provides the opportunity to restart his career and remind everyone that he is among the best in Europe.
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