Christopher Nkunku’s time at Chelsea could be coming to an early end, with Bayern Munich ramping up efforts to sign the 27-year-old French forward. The Bundesliga champions have reportedly agreed on personal terms with Nkunku, who has scored 13 goals in 28 appearances this season despite limited opportunities in the Premier League. His reduced role at Stamford Bridge has fuelled speculation about a potential return to Germany, where he previously thrived with RB Leipzig.
Bayern Munich's interest and Chelsea's valuation
Chelsea have set a £65 million price tag on Nkunku, according to The Telegraph, and are unwilling to accept any add-ons or instalment-based payments. This valuation represents a profit on the £52 million they paid to sign him from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023.
Bayern Munich see Nkunku as a natural successor to Thomas Müller, whose contract expires this summer. Nkunku’s impressive record during his time at Leipzig, where he scored 69 goals and provided 53 assists in 171 appearances, has made him a prime target for the German club. His proven track record in the Bundesliga adds to his appeal as Bayern look to strengthen their attacking options.
Chelsea's plans and potential swap deal
While Bayern focus on securing Nkunku, Chelsea have expressed interest in 19-year-old Bayern forward Mathys Tel. The young talent, valued at over £40 million, has caught Chelsea’s attention, but Tel reportedly has concerns about joining the London club due to their crowded squad and the potential lack of playing time.
Tel has made 12 appearances for Bayern this season but is yet to score, raising questions about his readiness for a move. Although the two transfers are being negotiated separately, there is growing speculation about a possible swap deal involving Nkunku and Tel. However, no concrete agreement has been reached on this front.
Nkunku's frustration at Chelsea
Nkunku’s first season at Chelsea in 2023 was marred by injuries, which limited his ability to make an impact. Despite being the club’s joint top scorer this season alongside Cole Palmer, with 13 goals, his Premier League involvement has been minimal, featuring in just three starts.
Most of Nkunku’s goals have come in cup competitions, including the UEFA Conference League, Carabao Cup, and FA Cup, rather than the Premier League. This lack of consistent playing time has reportedly left the French international frustrated, especially as he looks to secure regular minutes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA.
Chelsea’s firm stance on Nkunku’s valuation has been echoed by multiple sources, including journalists Matt Law, Ben Jacobs, and Fabrizio Romano. Reports from The Athletic confirm that Chelsea are unwilling to accept anything less than the full £65 million fee. Meanwhile, TBR Football highlighted Nkunku’s dissatisfaction with his situation as early as November, suggesting that a departure could be on the horizon.
Nkunku has played just 1,696 minutes over the past season and a half, a figure that reflects his limited role at Chelsea. Despite this, the club remains steadfast in their valuation, citing his age, international experience, and past success in German football as key factors.
As talks between Chelsea and Bayern continue, both sides are working to find a resolution, with Nkunku reportedly eager to return to the Bundesliga, where he enjoyed some of the best years of his career.