Bayern interest grows as Chelsea attacker faces uncertain future | OneFootball

Chelsea Forward Christopher Nkunku on Bayern Munich Radar as Summer Exit Talk Grows

Christopher Nkunku could be nearing the end of his Chelsea tenure, with Bayern Munich reportedly considering a summer bid for the French forward. According to Bild, the Bundesliga champions have identified Nkunku as a potential reinforcement — but their move is understood to depend on whether Tottenham agree to a permanent transfer for Mathys Tel.

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Bayern’s Interest Dependent on Spurs Deal

Bayern’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements is partly driven by the need to support Harry Kane over the long term. With Mathys Tel currently on loan at Tottenham, the German side are reportedly waiting to see if Spurs exercise their option to sign him permanently for around £45 million (€53.7m).

Should that happen, Bayern would shift focus to other names — and Nkunku is among them. It is claimed that Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund has already spoken with the 27-year-old earlier this year, though no formal offer was made at the time. If a bid materialises, Nkunku is expected to be considered more of a secondary option in their squad planning.

Chelsea Yet to See the Best of Nkunku

Nkunku arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2023 from RB Leipzig for £52 million (€62m), touted as a key attacking piece in Chelsea’s rebuild. However, a combination of knee and hamstring injuries has disrupted his time in west London. His debut campaign yielded just 17 goals and five assists in 52 matches — underwhelming by Premier League standards.

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This season has offered little reprieve. Despite a slightly improved tally of 14 goals and five assists in 38 games, many of those contributions came in the Europa Conference League, and he has struggled for consistency in the league. With just three goals in 25 Premier League appearances, Nkunku hasn’t convincingly filled the void when Nicolas Jackson has been unavailable.

Future Under Maresca Unclear

Chelsea are not short of options in attack, but they continue to search for a reliable number nine. Nkunku, though versatile and technically gifted, has yet to deliver performances matching his Bundesliga pedigree. While he reportedly turned down a move to Manchester United in January to stay and fight for his place, the summer may bring a different outcome.

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With Enzo Maresca expected to reshape his squad, Chelsea could be open to offers — particularly if Bayern come calling. Whether Nkunku sees his future in west London remains to be seen.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

When Chelsea signed Nkunku, there was real excitement. His numbers at Leipzig were elite — 35 goals in a season is no fluke — and it felt like they had finally solved their attacking riddle. But fast forward 18 months, and it just hasn’t clicked. The injuries set him back, no doubt, but even when fit, he hasn’t been the player fans were promised.

It’s hard to be patient when expectations are sky-high and the club is still trying to build a team capable of challenging again. Nkunku has had his moments, but they need a striker who consistently delivers in the Premier League — not just against midweek Conference League sides.

If Bayern are serious and the numbers make sense, maybe it’s best for everyone. He clearly still has suitors, and a move back to Germany could reignite his spark. For Chelsea, it might be a chance to reset and finally find the kind of clinical forward they’ve lacked since the days of Diego Costa.

There’s a player in Nkunku — that’s clear. But maybe he’s just not a Chelsea player.