Christopher Nkunku celebrates a goal
Christopher Nkunku has struggled with his form since joining Chelsea from RB Leipzig two years ago.
Bayern Munich’s move for Christopher Nkunku has stalled, delaying Chelsea’s attempts to sign RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons and Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho.
Chelsea hope to offload Nkunku, who is not in the club’s plans for the season, and want the forward to leave on a permanent basis. Bayern had a loan offer with an option to buy rejected at the weekend and it remains to be seen if they are prepared to pay enough to sign the Frenchman.
Internazionale are also interested in Nkunku, who has struggled for form and fitness since leaving Leipzig for £52m two years ago.
Coming to an agreement with Bayern over the 27-year-old would allow Chelsea to accelerate moves for Simons and Garnacho. Chelsea are not willing to meet United’s asking price of £50m for Garnacho and they have been waiting to sell fringe players before making an official bid for Simons, who wants to move to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea are also open to offers for Nicolas Jackson, who is emerging as a target for Aston Villa. However Jackson’s asking price of £80m is putting off potential suitors.
Other players expected to leave are Tyrique George, Axel Disasi, Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and Renato Veiga, the latter of whom is a target for Villarreal. Fulham are interested in Raheem Sterling.