Christopher Nkunku is set to depart Chelsea as various top clubs have him listed as a transfer target. Signed in 2023, Nkunku has had a difficult time at Chelsea so far. The player is now looking to move on from the club. Furthermore, the club is willing to accept offers worth around €50 million for the Ex-Leipzig man.
Nkunku signed for Chelsea in what was one of the most exciting, high-profile signings at the time. He was coming off 2 incredible seasons with RB Leipzig, getting 55 G/As in 21/22 and 32 G/As in 22/23. However, his time at Chelsea began with a season ruined by injuries. While he recovered from his injuries for his second season at the club, he was underwhelming in his performances. This led to him slowly losing his place in the squad to newcomers. Now, he’s looking for fresh beginnings at another club, to get his career back on track.
Nkunku’s Transfer Options
Bayern Munich
Nkunku has garnered interest from some of the biggest clubs in the world. Starting with the biggest of them all, Bayern Munich has shown concrete interest in signing the Frenchman. Bayern has been pursuing a winger/10 hybrid player all summer to replace the departed Kingsley Coman and Leroy Sane, alongside Luis Diaz. Their pursuit began unsuccessfully with Florian Wirtz, and now it seems like they will end up with either Nkunku or the young Xavi Simons.
Bayern had already held concrete talks regarding Nkunku with Chelsea in January. The Bavarian club holds an advantage over other clubs, as Nkunku has made it clear that he wants Bayern. The player had agreed personal terms with the current Bundesliga champions back in January. Bayern made an initial approach for the 27-year-old with a loan deal, which was rejected. The player and the club are both reportedly seeking a permanent move rather than a loan.
The deal is still on, though, as Chelsea would be willing to accept a lower initial fee with add-ons to facilitate a permanent move. Max Eberl, Bayern’s Sporting Director, will reportedly return with a permanent deal offer soon.
Inter Milan
Another interested party comes from Italy, specifically, Milan. Inter Milan is keeping close tabs on the Nkunku situation, as per recent reports. The Nerazzurris see Nkunku as an ideal alternative to their priority, Ademola Lookman. Inter has been trying to sign Lookman from Atalanta for a while now. But negotiations seem to have hit a standstill. This could force the UCL-finalists to fully divert their attention towards Nkunku, for whom they’ll have to battle Bayern.
Newcastle United
The third interested party comes from England, in the form of Newcastle United. Newcastle has had a torrid transfer window so far, losing out on most transfer targets and potentially, their star striker, Alexander Isak. Considering Isak’s possible departure, Newcastle are looking for a versatile attacker to provide Eddie Howe with a competent attack. Newcastle consider Nkunku a strong candidate who fits the bill and has hence re-entered the race for him, per journalist Marc Mechenoua.
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Where should Nkunku head to?
Nkunku has some great options on his plate. The obvious choice would be to leave for Bayern, owing to the stature of the club. However, he would be competing with the best in the world in his preferred positions. Jamal Musiala, once he returns from injury, Luis Diaz, and Harry Kane will all be difficult to displace for Nkunku. At this stage in his career, he must head to a club that guarantees consistent minutes to bring out the best in him. While Newcastle could do with a player like Nkunku if Isak leaves, Inter seems like the best option for the Frenchman. He may fit in well as the second striker alongside Martinez and/or Thuram or replace the ageing Mkhitaryan. His versatility will be valued highly in this Inter side. The trend of Premier League outcasts performing well in the Serie A is also a point to consider.
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