Aston Villa have reportedly entered the race to sign wantaway Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku this summer.
Aston Villa have made formal contact with Chelsea to explore a potential move for Christopher Nkunku in the final week of the transfer window, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano via X.
The West Midlands club have been “informed on conditions” for a deal as Unai Emery looks to strengthen his forward options for the long season ahead. Aston Villa are not alone, however. Both Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have shown interest in the Frenchman, raising the possibility of a Bundesliga return for the 27-year-old.
Nkunku’s time at Chelsea has been stop–start since his £52 million arrival from RB Leipzig in 2023. Injuries have disrupted his rhythm and opportunities, leaving him on the periphery of Enzo Maresca’s plans. With Chelsea now chasing Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho, the Frenchman has become increasingly expendable.
Loan or permanent exit?
Chelsea are open to moving Nkunku on, but there is an internal debate over the structure of any deal. A season-long loan could ease the wage bill and buy the player time to rediscover his form, yet a permanent transfer would be preferable, enabling the club to recoup some of the hefty fee paid two summers ago.
Nkunku, capped 14 times by France, was tipped to be a versatile, clinical addition to the Blues’ frontline. Instead, he has managed only sporadic appearances and never truly hit the heights expected at Stamford Bridge. With attacking competition fierce following the arrivals of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Willian Estevao, Chelsea are prioritising squad balance and financial flexibility.
Aston Villa’s interest, then, comes at the right time. Emery’s side, preparing for UEFA Champions League football, are weighing up Nkunku as part of a shortlist that also includes Nicolas Jackson and Marco Asensio.
What next for Nkunku?
From Christopher Nkunku’s perspective, the chance to reignite his career in the Premier League with a club like Aston Villa could be tempting, while a Bundesliga return would mean familiar surroundings and potentially guaranteed minutes.
Chelsea, meanwhile, face a decision in the coming days: do they accept a cut-price permanent sale, or sanction a loan that delays an inevitable long-term exit? Either way, with multiple suitors circling, the expectation is that Christopher Nkunku will not remain a Chelsea player by the close of the window.
A move to Aston Villa feels like the most intriguing option. Emery has a track record of revitalising players who have lost their way, and Nkunku’s versatility could be a major asset in a side competing domestically and in Europe. Chelsea may regret not getting more out of him, but cashing in now might be the best solution for all parties.