Chelsea will sanction cut-price deal for sidelined star amid Tottenham interest

Christopher Nkunku has not performed as well at Chelsea as expected after his big-money move from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023. Despite registering 14 goals and five assists in 42 appearances during the recently concluded season, he failed to become a regular in Enzo Maresca’s side. Having failed to become a regular at Stamford Bridge in two years, the French attacker is set to leave the club this summer.

As such, Chelsea may be forced to take a loss on Nkunku, whose contract doesn’t expire until 2029 (Transfermarkt). Former Spurs scout Bryan King feels the Blues will have to look for a cut-price fee to offload the 27-year-old this summer amid Tottenham interest.

“I think Nkunku will be allowed to leave Chelsea,” Bryan King exclusively told Tottenham News.

“However, they’re going to lose a lot of money on this player. I can’t see anybody paying £52million for Nkunku, which is what Chelsea paid for him. He’s hardly established himself as a Premier League star.

“Chelsea will need to sanction a cut-price transfer for Nkunku, or maybe it’ll be a loan move. Whatever happens, they’ll need to get rid of him because the last thing you want is unhappy players in the dressing room.”

Chelsea will try to recoup as much as the £52million they shelled on Nkunku’s services two summers ago. The ex-RB Leipzig star has had a tough time establishing himself as a regular in the Blues’ side, owing to a combination of injury problems and stiff competition within the squad. They are heavily stocked in the attacking department, and with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap tilting towards joining Maresca’s forces, Nkunku naturally becomes surplus to requirements in West London.

However, a player of Nkunku’s quality, experience and versatility could add value to the Tottenham squad. At 27, the France international is perhaps about to enter the best years of his career, and would be a smart option to improve the North London club that will compete in the Champions League, just like Chelsea.