Bayern Munich have reportedly already agreed terms with Christopher Nkunku and want to sign the Chelsea star this month.
The Blues star has been confined to Premier Leagueappearances from the bench under Enzo Maresca after spending much of his first season at Stamford Bridge injured. The Frenchman has, however, racked up 13 goals this term with 11 coming in 10 outings in cup competitions.
Bayern have reached a verbal agreement with Nkunku and plan to sign the 27-year-old to a long-term contract, should they be able to come to a deal with Chelsea, according to reports in Germany. Nkunku prefers to join the Bundesliga giants this month and is Bayern’s top transfer target.
Negotiations are said to be ongoing between the clubs with 19-year-old Mathys Tel a possible incentive to be used in a swap deal. Tel could choose to remain at the Allianz Arena which would not dampen Bayern’s intention to sign Nkunku, however.
THE FA CUP GIANT KILLERS: Get your special edition magazine celebrating some of the game’s greatest-ever upsets
Chelsea were interested in the French youngster in the summer and could revisit that if encouraged to do so by Bayern. Tel signed a contract extension until 2029 less than 12 months ago.
The ex-Rennes starlet has made just seven appearances under Vincent Kompany this term. Tel is said to have told Kompany earlier this month he would like to succeed with Bayern however.
Nkunku meanwhile, has not discussed his future with Chelsea boss Maresca. The former RB Leipzig forward, who arrived in west London in a £52million move in 2023, wants more time on the pitch according to the Italian.
“No, no,” Maresca said when asked if Nkunku had expressed his desire to leave in the coming weeks. “We didn’t speak about nothing with Christopher.
“But the last time I said that [he will listen if a player tells him they want to leave], it’s because in the end, we want all the players, as we said before, to try to be happy; knowing the ones that are not playing, they are not happy. It is normal.”
Maresca added: “I think also in this case, Christopher also wants to play and he wants to be happy. He’s 27, probably the oldest one. No matter the age, the players want to play and if they do not play, then they are not happy.”
Join our new WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read ourPrivacy Notice.
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Follow Tuchel’s Blues. Get our daily Chelsea newsletter FREE in your inbox