Chelsea ready to sell £52m Forward as Juventus push for transfer talks | OneFootball

Juventus Eye Nkunku as Chelsea Consider Big Summer Sale

Nkunku’s Stamford Bridge Struggles Spark Exit Talk

Christopher Nkunku’s Chelsea adventure could be reaching a premature end. Signed with high hopes from RB Leipzig for £52 million in the summer of 2023, the French forward arrived with a reputation for flair, versatility and efficiency. However, his time in West London has been plagued by inconsistency, injury setbacks and positional uncertainty under multiple managers.

Despite being described as “the ideal player” by current head coach Enzo Maresca for his ability to “play in the pocket, in the nine, on the wing,” Nkunku has not cemented a starting place. He has made 27 Premier League appearances this season but started just nine matches, registering only three goals and two assists. The numbers do not flatter the 27-year-old, who was expected to be central to Chelsea’s attacking renaissance.

Photo: IMAGO

Juventus Lead European Pursuit

TEAMtalk have revealed that Juventus are exploring the possibility of signing Nkunku. Early conversations have already taken place, and further discussions are expected between the two clubs. While Chelsea are reportedly willing to sell, their valuation of €70 million (£59m) is proving to be a stumbling block.

Juventus, currently fourth in Serie A, are attempting to negotiate a reduced fee. The final outcome may depend on whether the Bianconeri secure Champions League football, which would significantly boost their budget and make the project more appealing to Nkunku.

Club World Cup Meeting Could Prove Crucial

Both Chelsea and Juventus will be in Philadelphia next month for the FIFA Club World Cup. The shared time in the United States provides a natural opportunity for deeper discussions. Chelsea are scheduled to play Flamengo and Esperance on June 20 and 24, while Juventus face Wydad Casablanca on June 22.

These fixtures may offer more than silverware—they could serve as a transfer summit ground.

Competition Grows as Other Clubs Circle

Juventus are not alone in monitoring Nkunku’s situation. Newcastle United and Bayern Munich have also shown interest, according to TEAMtalk. However, the forward’s contract with Chelsea runs until 2029, which puts the Premier League club in a strong negotiating position.

Whether Chelsea stick to their valuation may hinge on summer incomings and financial pressures. After a difficult season, Nkunku is said to be “open to leaving this summer,” a sign that the player himself sees his future elsewhere.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

This development feels like a harsh reflection of Chelsea’s recent transfer model—ambitious on paper, but chaotic in reality. Nkunku arrived as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking midfielders. His goal tally at RB Leipzig (58 goals in 159 games) suggested he could light up the Premier League, but mismanagement, recurring injuries and inconsistent tactical deployment have derailed his momentum.

For Chelsea fans, this saga carries a sting. A player once expected to become a key figure is potentially leaving after barely featuring. That he’s being linked to Juventus, Newcastle and Bayern shows his talent is still highly rated, even if Chelsea couldn’t unlock it.

The Club World Cup now becomes more than just a tournament—it’s a chance to either reignite faith in Nkunku or cash in and move on. With Chelsea seeking a top-five finish and facing pressure to streamline their bloated squad, the €70 million valuation feels like a test of who truly believes Nkunku is worth betting on.

It’s another crossroads moment at Stamford Bridge, and the fans have seen far too many of those lately.