Arsenal could reignite interest in £52 million-rated Chelsea star

Gidibam Web4 weeks ago

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Arsenal are expected to renew their pursuit of Christopher Nkunku this summer after making an approach for the Chelsea forward in January, according to reports from France.

Nkunku, who joined Chelsea in a £52 million move from RB Leipzig in 2023, endured a difficult first season at Stamford Bridge due to a series of knee, hip, and hamstring injuries. Although the 27-year-old has returned to full fitness this term, he has struggled to establish himself under new head coach Enzo Maresca, starting just nine Premier League games.

According to RMC Sport, Nkunku is now weighing up his future and is eager to join a club that can offer guaranteed Champions League football next season. Both Arsenal and Bayern Munich reportedly expressed interest during the January window and are expected to revisit a potential deal this summer.

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The Gunners were actively seeking a striker in January but ultimately made no additions after their £40 million bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins was turned down. Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are now understood to be Arsenal’s leading targets ahead of the summer transfer window. The club is also closing in on a €60 million (£51m) move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Meanwhile, Nkunku’s situation at Chelsea remains uncertain. The French international was left out of the squad for Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Fulham last weekend.

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Speaking about the decision, Maresca explained: “Since day one, I just tried to do my best for the club and every decision I take is thinking about the best for the club,” said the Chelsea boss. “I know Christo cost a lot of money and Ty [Tyrique George] is from the academy, but I have to make these decisions.”

When asked how Nkunku responded to the setback, Maresca added: “He has been good in the last week when he was out. We needed to decide one or two players to leave out and wanted to give some young players a chance. It was purely a decision based on that. He is now back in the squad and training well.”