Bayern Munich could suffer a big blow in the race to sign Chelsea winger Christopher Nkunku in the summer transfer window.
The French attacker is out of favour under Enzo Maresca, and he is expected to leave Stamford Bridge before the end of the window.
Nkunku was left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad in the 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace, and the Blues are keen to ship him out.
Latest update on Christopher Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku in action against Southampton in the Premier League
(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
The Chelsea winger scored 15 goals in all competitions last season and made an impact during the Club World Cup. However, he has still become surplus to requirements at the club.
Nkunku joined from RB Leipzig two years back for £52m, and has a contract at the Bridge until 2029. He has already dropped down the pecking order behind Joao Pedro, Estevao, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens, and could further slip into oblivion if Chelsea sign Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho.
Bayern wanted to sign him in the January transfer window but they could not reach an agreement. The Bavarian giants have made a loan offer with an obligation to sign permanently, but it was rejected immediately.
Nkunku has asked Chelsea to let him go. The Blues value the 27-year-old at €50m [£43.1m] but would likely accept a slightly lower initial figure plus add-ons.
Newcastle United and Inter Milan are also in the race to sign the 27-year-old, but Bayern and Leipzig have shown more interest.
Bayern could suffer blow in Nkunku chase
Chelsea are keen to sign Simons from Leipzig, who are in turn willing to re-sign their former player, Nkunku.
Christian Falk has told CFBayern that Leipzig could be willing to sign Nkunku permanently, provided Chelsea sign Simons for around £60m.
According to a report from the Guardian, while a deal with Leipzig for Nkunku is not close, there is confidence that they will be able to come to an agreement with Chelsea on a fee for the France international.
Bayern have shown little willingness to submit a tempting offer, and it looks like Leipzig have an upper hand in the race for Nkunku.
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