Aston Villa have reportedly opened talks with Chelsea over a potential move for French forward, Christopher Nkunku ahead of the Summer transfer window’s deadline.
Softfootball understands that the 27-year-old is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after falling down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca last season.
Villa boss Unai Emery called for the club to make new signings following their disappointing 1-0 Premier League defeat to Brentford on Saturday August 23.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano via his X handle, the Spaniard may get his wish after Villa opened talks with Chelsea over a deal for Nkunku. His post reads:
“EXCL: Aston Villa make contact for Christopher Nkunku as option for the final week of the transfer window.
Bayern and Leipzig both keen: #AVFC also now informed on conditions.
Villa also have Nico Jackson (many clubs keen) and Asensio on list.”
Unai Emery’s side are also said to be interested in Nicolas Jackson as Emery seeks to bolster his attacking options, but Chelsea’s £60 million valuation of the striker is a stumbling block. Bayern and RB Leipzig remain interested in Nkunku.
However, both Bundesliga clubs prefer a loan deal, which is not what Chelsea or Nkunku want. Aston Villa now know the conditions of a possible deal, but it is yet unknown whether they will decide to act on it.
As well as Jackson and Nkunku, Marco Asensio is a player on Aston Villa’s shortlist. Talks have reportedly progressed in the past week over the Spaniard’s return to Villa Park after his successful six-month loan from Paris Saint-Germain during the second half of last season.
Although Asensio, Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku are all different profiles of player, they could all feature just in behind Ollie Watkins.
