RB Leipzig are in talks with Chelsea over a permanent deal to re-sign Christopher Nkunku, with the French forward open to returning to his former club.
The Bundesliga side have intensified discussions in recent days as they look to secure an agreement, although a deal is not considered imminent.
Chelsea are holding out for a permanent transfer and value Nkunku at around €50 million, with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan also showing interest.
Nkunku joined Chelsea from Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million but has endured a difficult spell in England. He made 43 appearances in all competitions last season and scored 14 goals, yet he started only nine Premier League matches.
His struggles with form and fitness have left him on the fringes of Enzo Maresca’s plans, and both player and club now see a clean break as the best solution.
Bayern Munich had approached Chelsea with a loan proposal that included an option to buy, but that offer was rejected.
The London club remain firm in their stance that Nkunku’s departure must be permanent, with Bayern yet to decide whether they will return with an improved bid.
Inter are also monitoring the situation but have not advanced talks at this stage.
Leipzig, meanwhile, are eager to bring back a player who previously enjoyed four successful years at the club. Nkunku scored 70 goals in 172 appearances after joining from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 and was named Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2021-22.
He also finished as joint-top scorer the following campaign and played a key role in back-to-back DFB-Pokal triumphs.
His possible return is linked to wider negotiations between Leipzig and Chelsea regarding Xavi Simons, who is on the Premier League club’s radar.
Any breakthrough in talks for Nkunku could help shape Chelsea’s summer strategy as they attempt to refresh their attack.
The club are also exploring interest in Nicolas Jackson, although their £80 million asking price has so far deterred potential buyers, including Aston Villa.
Nkunku remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2029, but sources close to the player have indicated he is unsettled and keen on a return to the Bundesliga.
Leipzig are aware that competition for his signature is strong but are pushing to be at the front of the queue should Chelsea’s demands soften in the weeks ahead.