Chelsea have done an admirable job balancing their books in this transfer window by parting with a number of notable names like Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Renato Veiga and Djordje Petrovic, among others. That said, the club are yet to find homes for two of their main forwards from last season, Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.
Both of these players had underwhelming seasons, with neither of them being able to reach the 20-goal mark. Jackson scored 13 and Nkunku managed 15.
With the transfer deadline fast approaching, the Blues are scrambling to find new destinations for the duo. Now, reports have emerged suggesting that a Premier League club are interested in both of them at the same time.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa have made contact with Chelsea for Nkunku as an option for the final week of the transfer window. Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are also keen, and Unai Emery's side have been informed about the conditions as well. Meanwhile, the Birmingham-based club also have Jackson on their list.
Aston Villa approach Chelsea for Christopher Nkunku while keeping their interest alive in Nicolas Jackson
Chelsea’s first two signings of the summer came in the form of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, both of whom primarily operate as centre-forwards. As a result, Nkunku and Jackson are unlikely to receive regular game time going forward, making a move the most logical option at this point.
While the decision to part ways with Nkunku seemed clear from the start of the summer, Jackson was added to the list of potential departures more recently. Both of these players have already attracted interest from a number of clubs, but no deal has been agreed as we enter the final week of the transfer window.
Meanwhile, until Chelsea sanction their next outgoing transfer, the club will be unable to bring in either Xavi Simons or Alejandro Garnacho, two of the final pieces of summer business the Blues hope to complete. So the next few days will be crucial in determining how Enzo Maresca’s squad will look this season.