The Nkunku conundrum continues as Bayern Munich are pushing a deadline day gamble for Chelsea’s forgotten star. The final days of the transfer window usually contain the most entertaining stories and Christopher Nkunku’s reported transfer from Chelsea to Bayern Munich is shaping up to a blockbuster deadline day. With Kingsley Coman about to complete his lucrative transfer to Al Nassr, Bayern has moved aggressively to acquire the French attacker as his replace. A tantalizing negotiation is on the horizon between two of football’s biggest outsider professionals.
A Courtship Years in the Making
Bayern’s interest in Nkunku is far from impulsive as the conundrum continues. The Bundesliga champions first established concrete contact in January 2025, reaching a verbal agreement with the player himself before Chelsea’s £70 million valuation scuppered the deal. This summer, with Coman’s €25-30 million move to Saudi Arabia creating both financial flexibility and tactical urgency, sporting director Max Eberl has reignited the pursuit. Eberl reportedly “loves” Nkunku’s multifaceted skillset—a crucial factor for a club navigating a transitional phase under Vincent Kompany.
🚨🔵 | Understand as soon as Christopher Nkunku leaves, Xavi Simons to Chelsea will be a here we go!! Because;
✓ Chelsea has what it takes to close the deal by sending their official bid and seal the deal.
✓ Personal terms already agreed!!#chelseaglobalnews pic.twitter.com/EAbrg8gf6Q
— Chelsea Global News (@ChelsGlobalNews) August 15, 2025
Chelsea’s Fire Sale Reality
For Chelsea, Nkunku represents a painful £52 million miscalculation. Despite flashes of brilliance in their Club World Cup campaign, his Premier League return of just three goals last season—coupled with only nine league appearances lasting beyond halftime—cemented his status as expendable. The arrivals of João Pedro, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens have pushed him further down the pecking order, while Chelsea’s pursuit of Xavi Simons hinges partly on offloading Nkunku’s wages. The Blues have slashed their asking price from £70 million to €40-50 million (£35-40 million), signaling desperation to recoup funds for Financial Fair Play compliance.
Tactical Chess: Where Nkunku Fits in Bavaria
Nkunku is attractive to Bayern due to the fluid playing position he offers even though the Nkunku conundrum continues. As Eberl noted, he can play No 9, No 10 and as a winger, so he is very useful for bridging several losses, including Thomas Müller and Leroy Sané. Luis Díaz’s £65.5 m capture from Liverpool however provides added options, Nkunku offers something different: established Bundesliga credentials. Nkunku’s RB Leipzig 2022/23 season was not long ago and he was named Bundesliga Player of the Season after scoring 20 goals. Kompany envisions him in a central, attacking part of a formation rather than on the periphery, the role Nkunku wants after being forced to share the spotlight with Cole Palmer at Chelsea.
The Negotiation Minefield
Bayern’s Dilemma: Having seen a €60 million bid for Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade rejected, Bayern faces pressure to secure alternatives. However, they prefer a loan deal for Nkunku, while Chelsea demands a permanent sale.
Competition: Inter Milan has internally discussed Nkunku. While RB Leipzig explored a reunion—though the player rejected it due to their lack of Champions League football. Premier League clubs like Newcastle and Nottingham Forest also inquired, but Bayern remains his preferred destination.
Financial Leverage: Coman’s transfer fee covers only half of Chelsea’s asking price. This is forcing Bayern to decide between meeting Chelsea’s terms or risking a squad shortfall.
Deadline Day Drama Looms
Florian Plettenberg aptly calls this saga “one to watch until Deadline Day” (September 1). Both clubs are entrenched. Chelsea needs pure profit from a sale to fund moves for Simons and Alejandro Garnacho. While Bayern hesitates to overpay for a player with recent injury woes. Yet Nkunku’s personal motivation could be decisive. He has already “approved the move” and seeks redemption in a league where he once thrived.
Implications Beyond the Pitch
Should this deal materialize, it represents more than a squad fix for Bayern. For €40 million, they’d secure a player whose RB Leipzig peak showcased world-class potential. A calculated gamble with higher upside than most deadline deals. For Chelsea, it would symbolize the end of a costly misfire, freeing resources to chase younger targets. And for Nkunku? A chance to resurrect a career at a club where tactical familiarity and Bundesliga adoration could reignite his spark.
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