Christopher Nkunku Requests Chelsea Exit After Arsenal’s January Interest

Christopher Nkunku Chelsea Exit: French Forward Requests Transfer Amid Arsenal and Bayern Interest.

Christopher Nkunku Chelsea exit looms after he officially submitted a transfer request following interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich during the January window. The French international, who joined Chelsea in a £52 million deal from RB Leipzig in 2023, has struggled to secure a regular role under manager Enzo Maresca, starting just nine Premier League games this season.

Nkunku’s first season at Stamford Bridge was plagued by injuries, limiting him to just 14 appearances. Despite expectations that he would play a more significant role this season, he has found himself on the fringes of the squad, even being left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad for their 2-1 win over Fulham on April 20 and remaining on the bench for their 1-0 victory against Everton.

Reports from CF Bayern insider suggest that both Arsenal and Bayern Munich made inquiries about Nkunku’s availability in January and have retained their interest ahead of the summer transfer window. Chelsea had initially set a €70m (£59.5m) price tag for Nkunku in January, which prevented Bayern from making a move. However, with Nkunku now actively seeking an exit, Chelsea may reconsider their stance.

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has urged the club to cash in on Nkunku, stating that it would be best for both the player and the club to part ways. Leboeuf believes that Nkunku has struggled to settle at Chelsea and would benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.

With Nkunku targeting a move to a Champions League club, Arsenal and Bayern Munich are expected to make fresh approaches once the transfer window opens from June 1 to June 10, accommodating the Club World Cup. Whether Chelsea will lower their asking price remains to be seen, but Nkunku’s future at Stamford Bridge appears increasingly uncertain.