Liverpool have once again been linked with a move for £35 million-rated forward, three years after opting against buying him in favour of Darwin Nunez.
According to L’Équipe journalist Hugo Delom, the Reds are closely monitoring Christopher Nkunku’s situation at Chelsea, with the west London club reportedly open to selling the 27-year-old for around £35 million. Talks are said to have already begun, as reported by Foot Mercato, with Liverpool adding the versatile forward to their summer shortlist.
This isn’t the first time Nkunku has come close to a switch to Merseyside. Prior to Darwin Nunez’s £85 million move from Benfica in 2022, The Times’ Paul Joyce revealed that Liverpool’s recruitment team had actually favoured a move for Nkunku – then at RB Leipzig. Jurgen Klopp, however, led the push for Nunez instead, despite some reservations behind the scenes.
Nunez, though occasionally explosive, has faced continued scrutiny for his lack of composure in front of goal. While his physicality and work rate have been praised, there’s long been an argument that the Uruguayan hasn’t capitalised on the volume of chances created for him and with questions over his long-term future, the Premier League champions may now be reassessing their options.
The Uruguayan netted just six times in the most recent campaign and struggled to secure a regular starting role under head coach Arne Slot, rounding off an underwhelming three seasons at Anfield. Nunez has recorded 25 goals and 13 assists in 95 appearances for the Reds, a return that falls short of expectations for a leading striker at a club with ambitions of sustained domestic and European success. His future continue to be unclear with the likes of Napoli and Saudi Pro League clubs rejecting the opportunity to sign Nunez due to fee demands, despite being highly interested in his services.
Meanwhile, Christopher Nkunku’s future at Chelsea is under growing scrutiny just two years after his high-profile arrival from RB Leipzig.
The French international joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023 in a £52 million deal that was met with high expectations. Nkunku had been one of Europe’s standout performers during his time in Germany, known for his technical quality, versatility, and lethal finishing in the final third. However, his time in the Premier League has been far from smooth.
His debut season in England was marred by injuries, with the forward spending significant stretches on the treatment table rather than the pitch. In fact, across his first two years in west London, the 27-year-old has only managed to play limited minutes — making just 38 Premier League appearances. In just over 2,100 minutes, Nkunku has scored six Premier League goals and bagged two assists, which is a disappointing return considering both his talent and the investment Chelsea made to secure his signature.
Under Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, the Frenchman struggled to carve out a consistent role in an already congested attacking setup even though they’ve had a stacked fixture schedule with the FIFA Club World Cup.
Nkunku’s ability to play across the forward line, whether as a central striker, winger or even an advanced midfielder, makes him a perfect fit for Arne Slot, who guided his side to the Premier League title in his debut season at Anfield. Slot’s tactical fluidity and emphasis on movement and pressing could bring out the best in a player of Nkunku’s profile, provided he can avoid the injuries that have so far derailed his time in England.
However, Liverpool aren’t the only club interested. Newcastle United are reportedly considering a move as they look to add more creativity and firepower to their squad.
Additionally, Bayern Munich, who have long admired Nkunku, could revisit their interest. The Bundesliga champions tried to sign him in January but failed to get a deal over the line. A return to Germany, where Nkunku enjoyed his best footballing years, remains a genuine possibility, particularly with Bayern in the midst of reshaping their squad under Vincent Kompany after losing Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane at the end of the 2024–25 campaign.
Despite having four years remaining on his Chelsea contract, the sense is that a fresh start may be the best solution for all parties. Chelsea, who continue to streamline their bloated squad, may look to reinvest the fee in younger targets, while Nkunku will be keen to revive his career and play regular first team football something he hasn’t managed consistently since leaving Leipzig.
If Liverpool can land him at a reduced price and keep him injury free, they may end up with one of the most underrated attacking acquisitions of the window. A player capable of unlocking defences, linking midfield to attack, and offering tactical versatility similar to what the Reds once had in Roberto Firmino.
As the summer window continues to unfold, Nkunku’s situation is one to watch closely with Liverpool, Newcastle, and Bayern all circling, and Chelsea left with a decision to make over the future of a player who never quite got the chance to show his true value in blue.
