Bayern Munich’s rumored interest in Chelsea FC attacker Christopher Nkunku appears to be legitimate.
L’Equipe broke down the situation (as captured by @iMiaSanMia) and a transfer will not be easy, but Bayern Munich does, indeed, appear to be serious:
Bayern have been making efforts in the past few days behind the scenes to convince Christopher Nkunku to join them. The club, aware of Nkunku’s qualities since his time in Leipzig, and have never lost sight of him. The Frenchman, unhappy with his situation at Chelsea is open to the move – therefore Bayern believe now is the right time to sign him
Meanwhile, Chelsea took the opportunity of Bayern’s interest in Nkunku to enquire about Mathys Tel, who has been a target for them for a long time. The English club informed Bayern yesterday of their desire to sign Tel. However as of yesterday, Tel has not changed his position. He remains committed to Bayern and to his decision to stay despite all the enquiries
For now, it remains to be seen whether the fact Bayern are not opposed to including him in a deal for Nkunku will have an effect on the relationship between Tel and the club. Further talks are set to take place.
The Athletic (via @iMiaSanMia) is reporting that the reason that Nkunku is available is because he is not likely to break past the players above him on the Chelsea depth chart:
Chelsea rate Nkunku’s talents but with Nicolas Jackson the preferred striker, Cole Palmer the first choice #10 and Maresca liking wingers in his system, there is not much room for him to make his mark. Before the window opened, Chelsea were not looking to sell but would listen should a club come with a ‘high enough bid.’
Meanwhile, Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg (via @iMiaSanMia) is reporting that Bayern Munich board member for sport Max Eberl is “determined” to get Nkunku:
Max Eberl is determined to sign Nkunku this month even if Mathys Tel ended up staying. It would be complicated, but Bayern are making efforts. Both the club and the player are interested in a permanent deal, not a loan move.
Finally, Fabrizio Romano (via @iMiaSanMia), doubled-down on previous reporting that Nkunku is pushing for a move to Bayern Munich:
Christopher Nkunku is keen on joining Bayern in order to get more game time. Financial terms have not been agreed yet between the player and the club, but will not be a problem.
Romano added one final detail on the cost — which is significant:
Chelsea’s initial request to Bayern for Christopher Nkunku: €70m package.
Nkunku’s keen on the move to Bayern, now up to the clubs with Mathys Tel situation also to be clarified/discussed.
Meanwhile, Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Law says it could be even more:
Chelsea value Christopher Nkunku at around £65m (Editor’s Note: €77m)as Bayern Munich try to sign the forward. More to follow at @TeleFootball #cfc
