One European club have been left disappointed in their bid to sign a Chelsea star ahead of deadline day.
While the transfer window remains open, Chelsea are still trying to get rid of several players. The likes of Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling have all been told that they can leave the club this summer.
Nkunku has been linked with Galatasaray and Bayer Leverkusen, but a move to Italy looks more likely.
On Wednesday, it emerged that AC Milan were making progress on a deal to sign the forward from Chelsea. Since then, there have been rumours about a deal now being agreed.
Cole Palmer of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's third goal with Christopher Nkunku
Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Bayer Leverkusen made offer for Christopher Nkunku
RB Leipzig are also interested in Nkunku, but it looks like both the Red Bulls and their German rivals Leverkusen will be missing out on the 27-year-old.
In fact, according to Sky Sport, Leverkusen have already made an offer for Nkunku but a deal never materialised.
If Chelsea can move Nkunku on before next Monday’s transfer deadline, the Club World Cup winners are almost certain to bring in a new attacking midfielder.
Leipzig’s Xavi Simons and Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez are the two players Chelsea are thought to be looking at, though the former could end up moving to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur if they do not get a move on.
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It has been claimed that Simons is open to joining Tottenham, with Chelsea yet to agree a fee with Leipzig for his signature.
Xavi Simons of RB Leipzig looks on during 1. Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Christopher Nkunku’s former manager claims he has ‘no weaknesses’
Things have not quite worked out for Nkunku at Chelsea, but at Leipzig the Frenchman was one of the best forwards in Europe.
His former manager Jesse Marsch even went as far as to say that Nkunku has zero weaknesses in his game.
“It’s a lot of fun working with Christo,” Marsch was quoted as saying by the Bundesliga’s official website. “He’s still young, but he wants much, much more.
“As a coach, it’s always nice when you speak to a player and he listens to what you’re saying, then tries to implement it in his game. All I can say is that this young man has no weaknesses.”
Christopher Nkunku’s record under Jesse Marsch Total
Appearances 20
Goals 12
Assists 8
Via Transfermarkt
Nkunku will be hoping that he can revive his career in Italy if he gets his move to Milan, especially with 2026 being a World Cup year.