Home
Chelsea
By Barnaby Lane
Posted on 11 August 2025, 17:18
Chelsea in talks over swap deal involving Christopher Nkunku and "complete" international midfielder - Chelsea
Christopher Nkunku. (Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Christopher Nkunku’s Chelsea career has been a long, frustrating story of unfulfilled potential.
Signed from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, the French forward arrived with a glowing reputation — but his debut season was derailed almost instantly by injury. The following year under Enzo Maresca, Nkunku was mostly used as a backup to Nicolas Jackson, rarely stringing together a consistent run in the starting XI.
While he still managed 15 goals across all competitions in 2024/25, only three of those came in the Premier League, and his body language told its own story. As the months went on, he looked increasingly disengaged, short on confidence, and perhaps ready for a fresh start.
Most Read on The Transfer Tavern
Now, a Stamford Bridge exit seems very possible — and it could take him right back to his old home in Germany.
Chelsea In Talks Over Nkunku Swap Deal
Xavi Simons. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)
Xavi Simons. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)
According to a new report from The Guardian, Chelsea are in discussions with RB Leipzig over a potential swap deal involving Nkunku and Netherlands international Xavi Simons.
Leipzig are said to be keen on bringing Nkunku back as a replacement for Benjamin Šeško, who is set to join Manchester United in a £73.7 million move. The 26-year-old France striker is understood to be open to the return, having never truly settled in west London.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are pushing hard to secure Simons — described as a “complete” player by former teammate Dani Olmo. The 22-year-old joined Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain in January for £43 million after two highly successful loan spells and had been valued at around £61 million this summer.
The Blues believe Nkunku, whom they value at £40 million, could help lower that price — though a significant cash sum is still expected to be part of the deal. Simons, who can operate as both an attacking midfielder and winger, has already agreed personal terms despite interest from Bayern Munich.
Negotiations are ongoing, and if successful, the deal would allow Chelsea to offload an unsettled star while bringing in one of Europe’s most versatile young attackers — potentially ending Nkunku’s underwhelming chapter in London and starting a new one for Simons at Stamford Bridge.
Recommended for you