Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku could be on the move after growing frustrated with a lack of playing time under manager Enzo Maresca, according to reports. Despite his £52m arrival from RB Leipzig and a strong showing in the UEFA Europa Conference League with five goals in as many games, Nkunku has struggled to secure regular minutes in the Premier League, where Nicolas Jackson has been preferred.
Agent Pini Zahavi’s Proposal
Nkunku’s agent, Pini Zahavi, is reported to have contacted Barcelona and proposed the Catalan club to buy the 27-year-old with a bargain. Zahavi, with whom Barcelona has a great working relationship,
has hinted at Nkunku’s willingness to accept a smaller salary as part of the switch to Camp Nou.
This approach is in keeping with Nkunku’s desire (either to have a loan move at Chelsea in January, or a permanent move at the end of the season).
Barcelona’s Striker Conundrum
Barcelona are facing growing concerns over the form and future of Robert Lewandowski,
who has been their primary striker since his arrival. Despite scoring 16 goals in 18 La Liga matches, the 35-year-old has netted just twice in his last seven appearances,
raising questions about his long-term viability as a first-choice striker.
Due to Lewandowski’s approaching 37 years of age in the next season,
Barcelona is seeking a natural replacement to reduce Lewandowski’s burden and prepare for a transition in the future.
Sporting director Deco is allegedly keen on signing a striker, but a transfer is unlikely to happen in the near future.
Nkunku Among Barcelona’s Targets
Nkunku joins a very select group of possible Barcelona options, including:.
– Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)
– Rafael Leão (AC Milan)
– Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (Napoli)
Each one of these players has something to offer the team,
but Nkunku’s multidisciplinarity, technical mastery, and willingness to accept a pay reduction could make him an extraordinarily attractive and feasible one for Barcelona,
given their longstanding financial constraints.
Chelsea’s Position
Even if Nkunku’s supposed discontent allows the club to also entertain the prospect of a transfer,
Chelsea would likely not allow a player of his caliber to go without a remuneration [14],
fueled by the attention that his transfer has attracted. Whether Barcelona will be able to make a compromise acceptable to Chelsea and Nkunku is at present unknown.
Barcelona’s requirements might be fulfilled in the sense that, if Nkunku becomes available, the strengthening of the attack at a potentially lower cost can be achieved. However, because of financial limitations and perceived value of player by Chelsea, the process of negotiation might be complicated. Should Barcelona pursue Nkunku, it could well be seen as a strategic turn around in the way life after Lewandowski might turn out.
