A couple of new clubs appear to have joined the race for Chelsea and France forward Christopher Nkunku.
Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig have been heavily linked with Nkunku, while Aston Villa recently entered the fray for the player’s signature.
According to the reliable Fabrizio Romano, Villa have asked about signing Nkunku ahead of next Monday’s transfer deadline.
However, the Villans face competition from another German outfit as well as one Turkish club.
Victor Osimhen celebrates scoring for Galatasaray
Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images
Christopher Nkunku could link up with Victor Osimhen at Galatasaray
Galatasaray have already strengthened their attack this summer after signing Victor Osimhen and Leroy Sane, but they may not stop there.
According to Foot Mercato, Galatasaray are now interested in Nkunku, while the same outlet claims that Bayer Leverkusen are also keen on the Chelsea forward.
There was a time when it looked like Nkunku would link up with Osimhen at Stamford Bridge, with the Nigerian having been a target for the Blues in the past.
However, Chelsea were never able to finalise a transfer and eventually moved away from the striker.
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Galatasaray have now signed Osimhen permanently following a very successful loan spell at Rams Park last season, paying Napoli a fee of €75m (£64.9m).
Nkunku is not the only forward at Chelsea who is expected to leave the club between now and the end of the transfer window. Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Nicolas Jackson will depart if the right opportunity presents itself.
Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku playing against Legia Warsaw in the Conference League.
Photo by Boris Streubel – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Why Chelsea never signed Victor Osimhen
Osimhen could have been a great signing for Chelsea. The 26-year-old is a goalscorer, proving that in Turkey last term.
In 41 appearances for Galatasaray, he managed to score 37 goals. It is a great return, though you can obviously question the quality of Galatasaray’s opponents.
Victor Osimhen’s 2024/25 stats Appearances Goals Assists
Super Lig 30 26 5
Europa League 7 6 1
Turkish Cup 4 5 1
Total 41 37 7
Chelsea could not agree personal terms with Osimhen last summer, which is why the Nigeria international never moved to west London. It allowed Galatasaray to swoop in for Osimhen and sign him on an initial loan deal before his permanent move in July.