Chelsea is reportedly open to selling French forward Christopher Nkunku, who joined the club for £52 million in the summer of 2023.
Despite his impressive performances at RB Leipzig, where he scored 58 goals in his final two seasons, Nkunku has struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge, largely due to injuries and limited playing time under manager Enzo Maresca.
Nkunku’s Frustration and Desire to Leave Chelsea
After overcoming injuries, Nkunku has found it hard to secure consistent minutes in the Premier League, starting only two matches.
Although he has impressed in cup competitions, scoring five goals in the Europa Conference League and three in the Carabao Cup, his lack of involvement in the league has led him to consider a move away from Chelsea.
Reports indicate Nkunku is keen to leave the club in January, with his agent reportedly in talks with Barcelona over a potential transfer.
Barcelona’s Interest and Potential Move
Spanish outlet Sport reports that Nkunku’s agent, Pini Zahavi, has already reached out to Barcelona, discussing the possibility of a move to the Nou Camp. Nkunku is reportedly willing to take a pay cut in order to facilitate the transfer.
Barcelona’s interest comes as the club looks for a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, whose form has dipped at 36 years old. The Spanish giants see Nkunku as a potential solution to bolster their attack.
Chelsea Open to Selling Given Forward Depth
Chelsea is reportedly willing to offload Nkunku, given their depth in forward positions, with interest not only from Barcelona but also from Serie A side Napoli.
Maresca has previously admitted that Nkunku, along with other players, “deserves” more playing time. While Chelsea is in a strong title race this season, dropping points against Everton shows they’re focused on strengthening their squad.
As Chelsea’s title challenge continues, Nkunku’s future remains uncertain, with Barcelona’s interest adding another twist to this developing transfer story.