Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku has reportedly made up his mind to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, following a disappointing season marred by injuries and inconsistent playing time. Despite matching Cole Palmer’s impressive 14-goal tally across all competitions, Nkunku has struggled to find his footing in the Premier League after his £52 million move in 2023.

A Challenging First Season for Nkunku

Nkunku, who arrived at Chelsea with high expectations, has been hindered by various fitness issues throughout his debut campaign. These setbacks, combined with managerial changes, have kept him from establishing himself as a consistent starter. Although he briefly earned starting positions during a time when several of Chelsea’s attackers were sidelined, the 27-year-old has failed to make a lasting impact on the pitch.

Under new manager Enzo Maresca, Nkunku has found himself relegated to the bench, prompting the French forward to reassess his future. The situation has now reached a tipping point, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg reporting that Nkunku has made the definitive decision to leave the club this summer.

Transfer Interest for Nkunku

The decision to depart comes after Nkunku generated significant interest during the January transfer window. At one point, Bayern Munich was reportedly keen on a swap deal involving teenage sensation Mathys Tel, although those rumors ultimately fizzled out. Manchester United also made a late bid for the player on deadline day, but their approach was rejected by Chelsea.

More recently, Arsenal has emerged as a surprising contender in the race for Nkunku’s signature. Over the years, the Gunners have added several players from Chelsea’s outcasts, including Jorginho, Kai Havertz, and past names like David Luiz and Willian, though their success has been mixed.

Chelsea’s Transfer Fee and Future Plans

As the summer transfer window approaches, Chelsea is said to be holding out for a transfer fee in the region of £60-65 million for Nkunku, aiming to recoup a significant portion of their initial investment. Despite his struggles in the Premier League, Nkunku’s performances in cup competitions, where he found the net several times, have kept clubs interested in his versatile skill set.

Given his potential when fully fit, Nkunku‘s future is likely to be one of the biggest talking points of the upcoming summer transfer window. Chelsea is now preparing for another high-profile departure, marking the end of Nkunku’s short tenure at Stamford Bridge.