Despite the talent that he showed at RB Leipzig, Christopher Nkunku has failed to win a regular starting spot at Chelsea.
Nkunku’s first season at Stamford Bridge was marred by injury, but the Chelsea forward has essentially been an ever-present for Enzo Maresca.
Unfortunately for Nkunku, his best role would arguably be playing in the one currently occupied by Cole Palmer — a player who’s never going to drop out of Maresca’s team.
There’s been speculation about Palmer’s Chelsea future recently but the club have no plans to sell and the midfielder is determined to improve his own performances.
And after Nkunku expressed his frustration at Chelsea a few months ago, not much has changed.
Christopher Nkunku’s agents are exploring Chelsea exit
That being said, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has now provided the latest on Nkunku’s future —- given that his agents are exploring a move.
And amid links to both clubs, Bailey disclosed whether Nkunku could potentially move to either Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur this summer, two of Chelsea’s bitter rivals.
Bailey said: “The player’s representatives are doing their due diligence on options – as Roy Keane would say they are ‘doing their job’ making sure all options are on the table.
“Nkunku has known since last summer that he could leave Chelsea and he almost departed in January, but this summer he will almost certainly depart Stamford Bridge.
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“As it stands I am told that a move to Europe is the most likely option – but his people are touching base with clubs in England.
“Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham have all been spoken to in the past few months.
“Chelsea want to recoup as much of their plus £50m outlay, but that looks difficult at this juncture.
“I am told the player is very happy in London, and so would a move to a Arsenal or Tottenham appeal?
“I believe it would but as it stands those options are not advanced – but Arsenal and Spurs both have an historic interest in the player. Both want a wide forward, so you could see the fit.
“There is interest back in Germany – Bayern Munich like him, a new deal for Leroy Sane doesn’t rule out them making a move but it is not pressing. Former club RB Leipzig and Bayer Leverkusen also admire him.
“Atletico Madrid have also shown some interest, as have the Saudi Pro League – who are willing to offer him a pay rise to move.”
Chelsea sent a clear message to Nkunku
At the start of the season, Chelsea sent a clear message to Nkunku — they told him he was one of several playing for their future at the club.
And although the 27-year-old has impressed during the club’s run in the Conference League, he’s seldom been afforded the chance of a regular start domestically.
Tottenham made an enquiry about Nkunku earlier this year and it would be a fascinating move were the Frenchman to head to another Premier League side.
Nkunku’s record in the Bundesliga does speak for itself and perhaps a different system at Stamford Bridge could get the best out of him and Palmer in the same team.
Arsenal themselves looked at Nkunku in January and there certainly could be a race for the attacker’s signature if he’s made available in a few months’ time.
