After signing a significant number of new players this summer, Chelsea are now looking to part with players who aren't in their long-term plans before the transfer window closes. Noni Madueke, Djordje Petrovic, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Joao Felix had already left. The most recent ones to leave include Armando Broja, Lesley Ugochukwu and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and a few more players are expected to follow.
One player who has been strongly linked with a move away is Christopher Nkunku. His future at Stamford Bridge appears uncertain as he didn't feature in pre-season. This made it clear that he's no longer a part of the club's long-term plans despite his contributions to Chelsea's Club World Cup triumph.
The France international signed a six-year contract with Chelsea after joining for €60 million in 2023, but he has struggled to establish himself in West London. His stint at Stamford Bridge has been marred by injuries and a lack of opportunities.
The Blues have bolstered their options going forward this summer with Jamie Gittens, Liam Delap, Joao Pedro and Estevao Willian, further limiting Nkunku's opportunities. Furthermore, Chelsea are looking to sign Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho.
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Nkunku holds the key to Chelsea's ability to move forward with a deal for Simons, as they must first part with him in order to raise funds and create space in the squad. Inter Milan and his former club RB Leipzig have expressed interest in the French forward, but it appears that Bayern Munich are the favourites to get a deal done.
Fabrizio Romano said on his YouTube channel while speaking about the situation involving Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Nkunku:
"The conversation is advancing between the two clubs, it is not a done deal at this stage, but it is advancing."
Now it remains to be seen whether the two clubs can reach an agreement for the Frenchman within the next few days. Time is quickly running out to make things happen.