Tottenham begin talks to sign £52m Chelsea star after Arsenal approach
Tottenham Hotspur have taken the first step in their pursuit of Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, signaling their intent to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new season.
The 27-year-old Frenchman arrived at Stamford Bridge in a high-profile £52 million move from RB Leipzig in 2023, but his debut campaign in West London was marred by persistent injury setbacks, including knee, hip, and hamstring issues that limited his impact.
While Nkunku has managed to stay fit for most of the current season, he has found himself on the fringes of Enzo Maresca’s plans, earning just nine Premier League starts.
His lack of involvement was further highlighted during Chelsea’s Conference League final clash against Real Betis, where he remained an unused substitute despite the Blues chasing the game.
Instead, Maresca turned to 19-year-old Marc Guiu in the dying moments, a decision that has only fueled speculation over Nkunku’s future.
Interest in the versatile forward has been simmering for months, with Bayern Munich and Arsenal both exploring a potential deal during the January transfer window.
However, Chelsea’s £50 million valuation at the time deterred any serious bids. Now, as the summer window approaches, Tottenham have emerged as a new suitor, testing the waters with an initial enquiry.
Sources suggest Nkunku is open to the idea of remaining in the Premier League, even if it means joining a direct rival, but Bayern Munich also remains an appealing destination.
The German giants have already begun reinforcing their squad, securing Jonathan Tah on a free transfer from Bayer Leverkusen, and could see Nkunku as another key addition.
Meanwhile, Chelsea appear to be closing in on their own attacking reinforcement, with Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap poised to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakout season, netting 12 Premier League goals and catching the eye of several top clubs. A £30 million release clause in his contract has made him an attractive proposition, and despite Manchester United’s prolonged negotiations, Delap has reportedly given Chelsea the green light to finalize the deal.
The Blues are also casting their net wider in search of additional firepower, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres on their radar.
The latter, in particular, has been in scintillating form, drawing heavy interest from Arsenal, setting the stage for a potential transfer battle between the London rivals.
For Nkunku, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining his next career move. A player of his caliber thrives on consistency and regular minutes—two things that have been in short supply at Chelsea.
Whether it’s Tottenham, Bayern Munich, or another contender, the promise of a more prominent role could be the deciding factor.
His technical ability, creativity, and eye for goal make him a valuable asset, and a fresh start may be exactly what he needs to rediscover his best form.
As for Chelsea, their transfer strategy suggests a clear focus on revitalizing their forward line. Delap’s potential arrival, coupled with their interest in Ekitike and Gyokeres, indicates a shift toward younger, dynamic attackers who can grow with the project.
Yet, the possible departure of Nkunku raises questions about squad depth and whether they risk losing a player who, if fully fit and firing, could still be a game-changer.
The summer window promises plenty of twists and turns, with Tottenham’s pursuit of Nkunku adding another layer of intrigue to the Premier League’s ever-evolving transfer landscape.
One thing is certain: as clubs jostle for position and players weigh their options, the stakes have never been higher.