Chelsea have cut their asking price for Christopher Nkunku to £43m (€50m) amid fresh interest from Bayern Munich and other European heavyweights. The Blues demanded £65 million initially for the Frenchman but changes at Stamford Bridge under Enzo Maresca have now changed priorities.
Nevertheless, with Nkunku’s future suddenly up in the air, the Blues’ move has made it clear they are prepared to get rid of the injury-prone forward just one year after he joined.
Maresca’s Overhaul Fuels Nkunku Exit Talk
Injuries interrupted Nkunku’s debut season with the club, as he managed only 14 appearances in the Premier League, and scored a total of four goals. And although he showed glimpses of promise, his future suddenly seems just as uncertain under Maresca and he might be the one to find himself on the outs.
Chelsea have already got ambitious further up the pitch this summer, acquiring Joao Pedro and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. And the Blues are pursuing Xavi Simons, too which adds more players to the attack pecking order. Selling Nkunku would free up a place as well as allowing Chelsea to adhere to financial fair play.
A reduction of more than £20 million in asking price underlines Chelsea’s determination to reduce the size of the squad, as well as to invest in those that are more suited to Maresca’s high-pressing, high-octane style.
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Bayern Munich, meanwhile, have revived their interest, seeing Nkunku as a forward who can play across the front three and add depth to their attack. Manchester United are still kicking back with their feet up and have yet to even submit a bid.
Nkunku is under contract until 2029 so Chelsea will have a bit of leverage. But with interest reportedly now also coming from Serie A, a bidding war is a real possibility.
Whether Bayern swoop or United pounce, though, Nkunku’s departure appears now to be a matter of when, not if.
