RB Leipzig intensify Nkunku talks as Chelsea hold firm on €50m valuation | OneFootball

RB Leipzig are in talks with Chelsea over a permanent deal to re-sign Christopher Nkunku (h/t the Athletic).

The Bundesliga club have intensified discussions in recent days, but a deal is not considered imminent. Bayern Munich and Inter Milan are also showing interest.

Nkunku joined Chelsea from Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million but has endured a difficult spell in England.

He made 43 appearances in all competitions last season and scored 14 goals, yet he started only nine Premier League matches.

His struggles with form and fitness have left him on the fringes of manager Enzo Maresca’s plans, and both player and club now see a clean break as the best solution.

Bayern had approached Chelsea with a loan proposal that included an option to buy, but that offer was rejected.

The London club insist that Nkunku’s departure must be permanent, and want €50m to sanction his sale..

Nkunku scored 70 goals in 172 appearances after joining Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 and was named Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2021-22.

He also finished as joint-top scorer in the following campaign and played a key role in back-to-back DFB-Pokal triumphs.

His possible return is linked to the negotiations regarding Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, who is on the Premier League club’s radar.

Any breakthrough in talks for Nkunku could help shape Chelsea’s summer strategy as they attempt to refresh their attack.

The club are also exploring interest in Nicolas Jackson, although their £80 million asking price has deterred potential buyers, including Aston Villa.

Nkunku remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2029, but he is unsettled and keen on returning to the Bundesliga.