Christopher Nkunku transfer decision made by Chelsea after '£70m' talks

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Published on:

05 Feb 2025, 4:50 am

Christopher Nkunku is already earmarked for sale at Chelsea this summer despite staying at the club past the 3 February deadline, sources have told Football Insider.

The Blues star was the subject of interest from Man United and Bayern Munich in the January window but both clubs were priced out of a move.

It is believed Chelsea were demanding a fee of between £60-70million to sanction an exit for Nkunku mid-season.

He is set to remain a backup option for Enzo Maresca's side for the rest of this season and is already assessing his future ahead of the summer window.

Nkunku is not fancied as a striker by the Chelsea boss, who brought on Marc Guiu ahead of the Frenchman in the win over West Ham on Monday (3 February).

Meanwhile, the exit of Joao Felix will mean increased opportunities in an attacking midfield role - but Cole Palmer will remain one of the first names on the teamsheet in any meaningful fixture.

Nkunku agreed to join Chelsea prior to Palmer's breakthrough at Stamford Bridge and will not settle for anything less than regular first-team football.

Football Insider first revealed the player's unhappiness in October 2024 - just months into this season.

Sources say clubs are "definitely interested" in the former RB Leipzig star despite his lack of game time.

Palmer key as Nkunku inches towards exit door at Chelsea

He has made 30 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring 13 goals and notching four assists.

However, Nkunku has made just three Premier League starts - with the majority of his game time coming in cup competitions.

He is under contract at Chelsea until June 2029 after joining the club 18 months ago.

Maresca's side sit fourth in the Premier League table with Palmer (14 goals) the club's top scorer across all competitions - one strike ahead of Nkunku.

In other news, Chelsea hold goalkeeper signing talks.

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