AC Milan pushing to sign Chelsea forward in late move

AC Milan Exploring Move for Chelsea Forward

Chelsea’s Forward Faces Key Decision

Chelsea’s reshaping under Enzo Maresca is well underway, and Christopher Nkunku’s future has moved to the centre of transfer discussions. According to The Athletic, AC Milan have opened dialogue with Chelsea regarding a potential move for the French forward. Interest from Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig remains, with Premier League clubs also monitoring the situation.

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Nkunku has been left out of Chelsea’s opening two Premier League matchday squads against Crystal Palace and West Ham, signalling the likelihood of an exit. Both Chelsea and the player reportedly prefer a permanent transfer rather than a loan. Nkunku has been open to a move since last year, with his valuation currently standing at around €50million (£43.2m), down from a January price tag of £65m.

Milan’s Interest and Market Dynamics

Milan’s search for a forward has intensified following their decision not to sign Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface after a medical. Sporting CP striker Conrad Harder was also considered, but Milan have turned attention to other options, with Nkunku now at the top of their list. Bayern Munich had explored a deal after Jamal Musiala’s injury during the Club World Cup, while Leipzig stepped up talks for a permanent return of their former star.

Chelsea’s Forward Line Evolution

Nkunku joined Chelsea in 2023 for over €60million and has since faced competition for his place. New signings Joao Pedro and Liam Delap have leapfrogged him in Maresca’s plans alongside Nicolas Jackson. Last season, Nkunku made 43 appearances across all competitions, scoring 14 goals, though he started just nine Premier League matches. He also featured in six of Chelsea’s seven Club World Cup fixtures this summer, scoring once.

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A Legacy Built in Leipzig

Before his Stamford Bridge move, Nkunku’s reputation was forged in Germany. He scored 70 goals and recorded 56 assists in 172 appearances for RB Leipzig, winning two DFB-Pokal trophies and finishing as the Bundesliga’s joint-top scorer in 2022-23. His pedigree ensures interest from across Europe, but Chelsea now face a decisive call on his future as Milan, Leipzig and Bayern circle.

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Our View – EPL Index Analysis

Nkunku’s potential departure feels like another sign of an evolving but ruthless project under Maresca. The Frenchman arrived at Stamford Bridge amid high expectations, his dazzling Bundesliga record suggesting he could spearhead Chelsea’s attack for years. Yet, injuries and tactical changes have restricted his impact, leaving him struggling for rhythm in a squad packed with attacking depth.

Fans will remember his composure and versatility but may also feel he never truly showcased his full potential in blue. If Milan or Leipzig secure his signature, Chelsea will have lost a player admired for his creativity and flair, but perhaps one not ideally suited to Maresca’s system. The fee of around €50million could be viewed as a pragmatic decision, helping Chelsea balance books while reshaping their forward line.

Supporters will expect the club to reinvest wisely, particularly with Champions League ambitions at stake. The emergence of Pedro and Delap hints at a fresh attacking era, yet Nkunku’s departure underlines how quickly players can fall down the pecking order in Chelsea’s high-pressure environment. Fans will watch Milan’s pursuit closely, knowing Nkunku’s success elsewhere could fuel further debate about Chelsea’s strategy.