Exclusive: Chelsea Ace Christoper Nkunku Wanted By Juventus And Bayer Leverkusen

Christopher Nkunku is still a man in demand despite failing to consolidate a place in Chelsea’s starting eleven, with a £35million price tag.

The France international appears destined to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, with Blues boss Enzo Maresca admitting during an interview at the Club World Cup that a lack of regular first team football could force him to move elsewhere.

Manchester United are admirers of Nkunku, who has scored 17 goals in 58 appearances since arriving in west London. 

But SportsBoom can reveal that a number of clubs on the continent are also interested in acquiring the forward’s services, with Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus both understood to be monitoring his situation closely.

Eric ten Hag, who replaced Xabi Alonso at the BayArena earlier this summer, is a long-standing admirer of Nkunku and attempted to lure him to Old Trafford during his spell in England.

But the attacking midfielder is contracted to the Blues until 2029, so he will command a big fee if he does leave Stamford Bridge.

ITALIAN INTEREST

Italian giants Juventus, now managed by Igor Tudor, are also keeping a watching brief on the 27-year-old’s situation as they attempt to rebuild following an underwhelming season in Serie A.

Despite travelling to the CWC with Chelsea, Nkunku is unlikely to remain at Maresca’s disposal beyond the current transfer window - particularly with Liam Delap’s arrival set to limit his chances still further.

The Blues paid £52m to sign Nkunku from RB Leipzig 23 months ago and, should ten Hag receive the green light to submit an official bid, a return to Germany could appeal given his success in Saxony.

United would like to use Alejandro Garnacho as a lever to recruit Nkunku, with the Argentine viewed as an alternative acquisition should Borussia Dortmund fail to sanction Jamie Gittens’ switch to Maresca’s squad.

But that deal is unlikely to pique Chelsea’s interest if Gittens is eventually unveiled.