Bayern Munich could miss out on Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku.
The French winger impressed heavily during the Club World Cup, but he could still be sold in the summer window.
Nkunku was not included in Chelsea’s matchday squad against Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Bayern eye move for Christopher Nkunku
Despite signing Luis Diaz from Liverpool, Bayern are looking to add one more quality winger to their ranks, after Kingsley Coman left the club.
Bayern are long-term admirers of Nkunku, and Max Eberl knows him very well. The German champions wanted to sign him during the January transfer window, but they were unwilling to meet Chelsea’s asking price.
In recent weeks, Nkunku has emerged as an option for the Bavarian giants. Chelsea are keen to sign Xavi Simons, and he could arrive if Nkunku leaves.
Bayern have been in contact with the Blues over a possible move for the 27-year-old winger, but it looks unlikely they can strike a deal.
Christian Falk told CFBayern that Nkunku’s agent, Pini Zahavi, met with Chelsea bosses during their Premier League clash against Palace.
Zahavi informed Bayern that Nkunku, who has a contract until 2029, will stay in London for another year.
The Bild journalist tells us that there’s still hope for the transfer to go through, especially as Nkunku wants to move to Bayern.
Bayern want him on loan, whereas Chelsea are keen to offload him on a permanent deal.
Chelsea could be willing to sell him for around £35m plus add-ons, and Florian Plettenberg claims that Bayern have agreed personal terms with Nkunku already.
Will Bayern be left disappointed again?
Nkunku made just nine starts in 27 Premier League appearances in 2024-25, and he is unlikely to feature regularly this season.
He is expected to drop down the pecking order following the arrivals of Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, and his position will come under serious threat if the Blues sign Alejandro Garnacho and Simons.
Chelsea are looking to offload some of their out-of-favour players such as Raheem Sterling, Ben Chillwell and Renate Veiga.
Bayern have been linked with a move for Nick Woltemade, but Stuttgart have rejected their latest bid for the attacker.