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Chelsea’s Nkunku Conundrum: Talent, Timing and Transfer Tension

Bidding Interest Ramps Up

Christopher Nkunku’s Chelsea career has yet to ignite, but that hasn’t stopped clubs from circling. According to TalkSport, Tottenham Hotspur have made enquiries into a possible deal to keep the Frenchman in London. Bayern Munich also made an approach in January, though their interest cooled once Chelsea demanded over £50 million for the winger.

Nkunku, 27, remains open to a move to the Bundesliga champions, but is said to be equally receptive to staying in the Premier League. That duality speaks to a player still in search of stability after a stop-start spell at Stamford Bridge.

Stalled Progress After High Expectations

Signed from RB Leipzig for £53 million in summer 2023, Nkunku arrived in west London with 47 Bundesliga goals to his name and lofty expectations. But his Chelsea debut was delayed until 19 December due to a knee injury sustained in pre-season against Borussia Dortmund. He would go on to feature just 14 times in the 2023/24 campaign, scoring only three goals.

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Nkunku “subsequently underwent surgery which left him sidelined for an extended period of time,” leaving his Chelsea start marred by misfortune rather than mediocrity.

Squad Competition and Tactical Realities

Even once fit, breaking into the side proved difficult. He started only nine of the 33 league games he was available for, with manager Enzo Maresca frequently preferring other options. In the Conference League final, despite Chelsea thrashing Real Betis 4-1, Maresca brought on teenager Marc Guiu rather than Nkunku.

“We know that Christo’s best position is between the line as a 10,” Maresca said. “Cole [Palmer] is playing there. We will not play many games with Cole and Christo, or Cole and Joao [Felix]. They are all fantastic players and will play, but not every game… Their skills is not defending, it is to attack. We love them, we want them but we need balance.”

Fading Confidence or Future Redemption?

Maresca had publicly backed Nkunku last November, stating he “absolutely” wanted to keep him. Yet the Italian has also made it clear the Frenchman’s pathway to the starting XI is far from straightforward.

Nkunku did finish the 2024/25 season with 14 goals and five assists from 42 appearances across all competitions, though only three goals came in the league. That statistic underscores the growing sense of frustration from fans who expected more from one of Europe’s most dynamic attackers.

Chelsea’s dilemma now lies in whether to persevere with a player whose talent is evident but whose timing, so far, has been cursed – or to cut their losses and entertain fresh offers.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

It’s hard not to feel a sense of déjà vu when it comes to Chelsea and attacking signings. Big money, big promise, and then a battle with injury, form, or finding the right position. Nkunku is just the latest in a long list.

On paper, 14 goals and five assists isn’t a bad return considering his long injury layoff. But when only three of those came in the Premier League, it’s easy to see why patience is running thin among supporters.

Watching Nkunku sit on the bench in a Conference League final, only to see Marc Guiu introduced ahead of him, felt like a symbolic moment. If Maresca doesn’t trust him in that setting, what does the future really hold?

There’s sympathy for a player who never got a fair run at building momentum. The knee injury, surgery, and slow reintegration would hamper anyone. But this is Chelsea, where pressure never relents and time is rarely a luxury.

Maresca’s comments about “balance” may be tactically sound, but fans want creativity, flair, and goals. Nkunku brings those qualities – but only if he plays.

With Bayern circling and Tottenham sniffing around, it feels like we’re approaching a crossroads. Either Nkunku gets a clean slate next season or Chelsea risk watching another talent flourish elsewhere while Stamford Bridge wonders what might have been.