Report: Tottenham Hotspur Considering Move to Sign £52m Chelsea Star | OneFootball

Tottenham Eye £52m Christopher Nkunku Move After Eze Setback

Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up a surprise move for Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku, according to a recent TeamTalk report. After missing out on Eberechi Eze, who opted for a £60million switch to Arsenal, Spurs are turning their attention to the Frenchman as they look to reinforce their attacking ranks ahead of the new season.

Nkunku, who joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52million, has seen his time at Stamford Bridge disrupted by injuries and stiff competition. Now 27, the versatile forward could be tempted by a new challenge as he seeks regular game time and a more prominent role.

Opportunity Amidst Frustration

Eze had been Tottenham’s priority signing for much of the summer. The club saw the Crystal Palace star as a long-term solution to their creative midfield needs, especially with James Maddison sidelined through injury. But Arsenal’s proactive approach, combined with their Champions League status, swayed the England international toward the red side of North London.

As TeamTalk notes, “Tottenham Hotspur are exploring a potential move for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku… as they seek to bolster their attacking options.” The club has not yet made a formal offer, but the French international is “firmly on Tottenham’s radar.”

Photo: IMAGO

Versatility and Flair

Nkunku is an intriguing target for Thomas Frank’s side. Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or across the front line, his technical skill, acceleration and eye for goal make him a strong candidate to fill the creative void left by Maddison and the Eze miss.

His 20-goal haul in 34 Bundesliga matches during the 2022/23 season remains a standout benchmark of what he can produce when fit. Even at Chelsea, despite an injury-plagued stint, he has shown glimpses of his talent during the 2024/25 campaign.

As TeamTalk puts it: “Nkunku’s ability to play as a forward or attacking midfielder, coupled with his flair and goal-scoring instinct, makes him an ideal fit for Spurs’ system.”

Chelsea’s Stance and Leipzig Interest

Chelsea are reportedly not desperate to sell but are open to negotiation, particularly given Nkunku’s limited minutes and the crowded attacking line-up at Stamford Bridge. “While Chelsea are slightly reluctant to sell to a Premier League rival, the door is not closed,” TeamTalk report.

Interestingly, his former club RB Leipzig are also believed to be monitoring his situation, with Nkunku said to be “open to a return to Germany.” However, no concrete talks have taken place, leaving Tottenham with an opening.

Tottenham’s Top Four Ambition

Frank is keen to add depth and creativity, especially as Spurs continue their push for Champions League qualification. With the transfer window entering its final stages, securing a player of Nkunku’s calibre would mark a bold and potentially transformative piece of business.

As TeamTalk summarises: “Tottenham’s ambition to compete for a top-four spot drives their pursuit.” Bringing Nkunku in would send a strong message of intent and offer supporters renewed optimism after a frustrating start to the window.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Tottenham fan’s perspective, this feels like a case of déjà vu. Once again, we’re looking at second choices. Losing Eze to Arsenal stings. He’s a player who fit our profile, wanted the move, and had the creativity we’ve been crying out for since Eriksen left. Yet somehow, Arsenal acted faster, more decisively and got the deal done.

Now we’re sniffing around a player Chelsea don’t really want. Sure, Nkunku has talent. Nobody’s denying his ability. But let’s be honest, he’s been injured more than he’s played, and we’re meant to believe he’s the one to lift us into the top four?

This feels reactive, not strategic. It’s like when we went for Lo Celso and Ndombele – talented players, but not ones we built a system around. Thomas Frank is a smart manager, and Nkunku could thrive under him, but only if he stays fit and settles quickly. That’s a big if.

And let’s not ignore the Chelsea factor. Selling to us won’t come cheap. They’ll squeeze every penny and still get stronger while we gamble on fitness and form.

It’s hard not to feel this is a panic pivot rather than a planned move. Eze was the statement. Nkunku feels like a question mark.