Chelsea have reportedly decided to part ways with Christopher Nkunku at the end of the season, despite keeping him at the club past the January transfer deadline.
The French attacker attracted interest from Manchester United and Bayern Munich, but both clubs were put off by Chelsea’s asking price, which was set between £60-70 million. While no mid-season move materialized, Nkunku’s long-term future at Stamford Bridge remains uncertain, with the player now assessing his options ahead of the summer window.
Although highly rated, Nkunku has struggled to cement himself as a key figure in Enzo Maresca’s plans. The Chelsea boss has preferred other attacking options, notably opting to bring on Marc Guiu instead of Nkunku during the recent win over West Ham. This decision further underlined the Frenchman’s peripheral role in the squad, raising doubts over his chances of securing regular first-team football under Maresca’s system. Despite his versatility, he has not been viewed as a primary option in Chelsea’s attack.
Nkunku initially joined Chelsea before the emergence of Cole Palmer as the team’s standout attacking presence. With Palmer now one of the first names on the teamsheet, opportunities in an advanced midfield role remain limited. The departure of Joao Felix may open up more chances, but Nkunku is unlikely to accept a rotational role after being a key player at RB Leipzig. His frustration over a lack of consistent game time has been well-documented since October, with sources confirming that several clubs remain interested in securing his services.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Despite his struggles for consistent Premier League starts, Nkunku has still managed to contribute effectively when given opportunities. He has made 30 appearances across all competitions this season, registering 13 goals and four assists. However, only three of those appearances have come as a starter in the Premier League, with the majority of his minutes coming in cup competitions. His contract at Chelsea runs until June 2029, but unless his situation changes, the club appears open to cashing in on him during the next transfer window.
Chelsea’s attacking hierarchy has become increasingly defined, with Palmer leading the scoring charts with 14 goals across all competitions—just one ahead of Nkunku. Despite the Frenchman’s impressive output in limited minutes, the club’s tactical approach under Maresca has made it difficult for him to establish himself as a key player. With Chelsea currently sitting fourth in the Premier League, the focus remains on securing Champions League football, but transfer planning for the summer is already well underway.
As Chelsea prepare for potential squad changes, the upcoming transfer window could see major movements in their attacking department. Whether Nkunku will remain at Stamford Bridge or seek a new challenge elsewhere will depend on offers received and the club’s stance on reshaping their squad. Meanwhile, the Blues are also exploring other areas of the pitch, with discussions ongoing regarding potential reinforcements in goal. Stay tuned for the latest developments on Chelsea’s transfer plans.
