Nkunku Set Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku is on the verge of leaving Stamford Bridge, with the Frenchman expected to finalise a move to Italy. The 27-year-old has been granted permission to travel for a medical and is understood to have agreed to a pay cut in order to secure a five-year contract with the Serie A side. Chelsea have also inserted a sell-on clause into the deal, which would bring an end to Nkunku’s two-year spell in West London.
Nkunku’s departure could have a major impact on Chelsea’s transfer strategy, as the club steps up talks to sign Argentina international Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United. The 21-year-old winger has been sidelined from United’s main training group and has yet to feature this season, fuelling speculation about his exit. Although no transfer fee has been agreed, sources close to negotiations indicate that a deal is edging closer, with Chelsea eager to strengthen their attacking options.
The potential arrival of Garnacho comes at a time when Chelsea are also managing further movements in their forward line. Striker Nicolas Jackson is in discussions with Bayern Munich over an initial loan deal, which may include an obligation to buy. Such moves underline the club’s ongoing reshuffle as they attempt to balance squad needs with strict financial regulations.
From a financial perspective, Nkunku’s sale allows Chelsea to continue projecting strength in the transfer market. The Blues have raised an estimated £309 million from player sales this summer, offsetting about £277 million in acquisitions. This is particularly significant given UEFA’s sanctions, which include a €31 million (£26.7m) fine and a requirement for clubs to maintain a positive transfer balance in order to register new signings for Champions League competition.
Nkunku leaves Chelsea with a respectable record, scoring 18 goals and providing five assists in 62 appearances since his £52 million move from RB Leipzig in 2023. During his time in West London, he played an instrumental role in helping the Blues lift both the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League, cementing his contribution before his imminent departure.
