Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku Exit Looms as Leipzig Edge Ahead of Bayern in Transfer Battle
With Nkunku falling out of favour under Enzo Maresca, Chelsea are open to selling the Frenchman — and RB Leipzig appear ready to hijack Bayern Munich’s pursuit.
Christopher Nkunku’s time at Chelsea could be nearing its end, but his next destination is far from settled. The French attacker, once viewed as a marquee signing at Stamford Bridge, has slipped down Enzo Maresca’s pecking order and now finds himself at the centre of a transfer tussle involving Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, and several other European clubs.
Nkunku, who arrived from Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, has been left out of Chelsea’s squad in recent weeks, including the 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace. Despite scoring 15 goals across all competitions last season and playing a role in the Club World Cup triumph, his position in the team has weakened. With young attackers like João Pedro, Estevão, Liam Delap, and Jamie Gittens all ahead of him, the 27-year-old faces the harsh reality of being surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea’s Plans and the Simons Connection
Chelsea’s transfer ambitions could decide Nkunku’s fate. The club has made Xavi Simons one of its key summer targets, with a potential £60 million deal on the table. Intriguingly, this move could reopen the door for RB Leipzig to re-sign Nkunku.
German football insider Christian Falk recently explained to CFBayern that Leipzig may be willing to buy Nkunku permanently if Chelsea succeed in landing Simons. “Leipzig are ready to negotiate for Nkunku if Chelsea push through with Simons,” Falk reported, underlining the interconnected nature of the two deals.
This would give Leipzig a clear advantage over Bayern Munich, who have long admired Nkunku. The Bavarian club had attempted to sign him in January but failed to meet Chelsea’s conditions. Their latest offer – a loan with an obligation to buy – was rejected outright.
Bayern’s Hesitation
According to The Guardian, there is growing confidence at Chelsea that Leipzig will eventually agree on a fee for Nkunku, despite no deal being imminent. The sticking point for Bayern is their unwillingness to make a substantial upfront offer. Chelsea have set a €50 million (£43.1m) price tag, though they are prepared to accept a slightly reduced figure with performance-related add-ons.
Bayern’s hesitation could prove costly. The Bundesliga champions are interested but have yet to submit a convincing package. With Leipzig showing greater urgency and having a more personal connection with Nkunku – who spent four successful years there – Chelsea could prefer working with their German counterparts.
Nkunku’s Situation
For Nkunku, the decision is clear: he wants out. Multiple reports state that the Frenchman has told Chelsea to allow him to leave, desperate for regular game time and a return to familiar surroundings. Despite his contract running until 2029, he is unlikely to see out even half of that deal if his current role remains unchanged.
At Leipzig, Nkunku scored 70 goals in 172 appearances and was one of the most feared attackers in the Bundesliga. A return would not only suit the player but also give Leipzig a much-needed boost as they attempt to reassert themselves in both domestic and European competitions.
Newcastle United and Inter Milan have also been linked with the forward, but neither club appears as advanced in negotiations as Leipzig. Inter’s financial constraints and Newcastle’s Premier League restrictions make them outsiders at this stage.
What It Means for Chelsea
For Chelsea, this situation is part of a bigger picture. Selling Nkunku could help raise funds for Simons and potentially Alejandro Garnacho, who has also been on the club’s radar. The Blues’ ownership group remains determined to continue reshaping the squad with younger talent, even if it means cutting ties with established stars.
Nkunku’s case highlights the ruthlessness of the project at Stamford Bridge. Just two years after being hailed as a £52 million coup, he is now fighting to stay relevant in a team stacked with young attackers.
If Leipzig can close the deal and Chelsea push through with Simons, Bayern may be left regretting their cautious approach. The German giants rarely lose battles in the transfer market, but this could be one where they are forced to settle for second best.
