18/04/2025 01:30
Christopher Nkunku will “definitely” be allowed to leave Chelsea this summer with a return to the Bundesliga on the cards.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 27-year-old is no longer a part of Enzo Maresca’s first-team plans.
The Blues are preparing to accept offers for the forward which they will then use to reinvest in their squad as they aim to back the manager in the transfer market.
Football Insider revealed in November that Nkunku could push for an exit from Chelsea as a result of limited first-team opportunities this season.
Man United wanted to sign the Chelsea forward in January but were unable to agree terms over a permanent or loan move, so he remained at Stamford Bridge.
However, they are now believed to have moved on to alternative options, with a move back to the Bundesliga considered most likely for Nkunku as things stand.
Christopher Nkunku set to quit Chelsea
Brown told Football Insider that Nkunku is unhappy and wants to leave Chelsea in search of more regular opportunities, having fallen out of favour.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that the forward will leave Stamford Bridge when the summer window opens.
“Nkunku is definitely going to leave Chelsea this summer,” he told Football Insider.
“Enzo Maresca doesn’t rate him as part of his long-term plans and he hasn’t been able to nail down a solid position in the team.
“I don’t know what’s happened there, but they’ve not been impressed by him.
“It’s a shame because he’s a very talented player.
“It might be a personal thing, maybe he’s struggled with the move over to England.
“He was excellent for RB Leipzig, I saw him score three against Man City in the Champions League and thought he was fantastic in that game.
“We spoke about Man United having a look at him in January, but their interest has faded.
“I think United will be looking at other options now, but a return to the Bundesliga would suit him because he knows the league and the environment.
“There was some interest from over there in January and I don’t think that has gone away.”
Noni Madueke update emerges as Tottenham and Aston Villa race
Nkunku is not the only forward player who could be leaving Stamford Bridge this summer as Maresca plans to reinforce his attacking options in the transfer window.
Brown told Football Insider on 12 April that Tottenham and Aston Villa want Noni Madueke, who is set to consider his options come the end of the season.
Tottenham are believed to be the front-runners for the 23-year-old as things stand and feel they can convince him to make the move across London.
This comes after Football Insider revealed that Maresca has concerns about Madueke's attitude and whether he fits in with his plans for the future.
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The post Expert: Nkunku is 'definitely leaving Chelsea' as destination named appeared first on Football Insider.
