Nkunku missing from Chelsea’s pre-season amid Man United, RB Leipzig updates
Christopher Nkunku is expected to leave Chelsea this summer after interest from several major European clubs.
The Frenchman joined the West London club in the summer of 2023 after four seasons of dominance in Germany with RB Leipzig.
The 27-year-old was named Bundesliga player of the season for the 2021/22 campaign, in which he scored 20 goals and assisted 13 times in 34 appearances.
However, Nkunku‘s arrival at Chelsea coincided with Cole Palmer moving to Stamford Bridge.
The former Man City man’s dominance at the number 10 position has forced the ex-PSG man to adapt to being used in various positions, predominantly left-wing, where he has never looked comfortable.
As a consequence, Nkunku has been made available by Chelsea this summer amid interest from several teams in Europe.
Nkunku given permission to miss training
As reported by The Athletic, Nkunku “has been given permission to miss the start of pre-season training” by the club since Enzo Maresca’s men made a late return to action after winning the Club World Cup.
The France international has been the subject of enquiries from “a number of clubs in England, Italy, and Germany”.
Man United were interested in Nkunku, as were his former team RB Leipzig, but both are now “deemed unlikely.”
The 27-year-old is valued at €50million (£44m), having moved to Stamford Bridge for €60m (£52m) two seasons ago [Sky Sports].
Nkunku running out of exit options
Football Insider Verdict
With a return to Leipzig and a move to the red half of Manchester appearing to be off the table, Chelsea may have to work hard to shift their unwanted attacking midfielder this summer.
Nkunku emerged as a surprise alternative target for Barcelona amid their pursuit of Luis Diaz and Marcus Rashford.
The Catalan giants approached Chelsea to get an understanding of the Frenchman’s availability.
But nothing came of that initial approach, and Barcelona instead signed Rashford on a loan deal from United.
Arsenal were also briefly linked with a move for Nkunku, but the Gunners have since signed Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke, making it unlikely they move for the 27-year-old.