It’s a familiar plot for Chelsea fans: They hold on to their hats (and their injury reports) because it’s now January, and maybe, just maybe, the transfer window might have a twist. However, Chelsea is likely to let Christopher Nkunku leave anyway, given the rumors floating around that he is among the marquee signings, but the Blues may part with him and others away. The situation thickens as two European powerhouses, Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, are apparently after the French striker.
Before youโre screaming, ‘Why would Chelsea do that? To that end, letโs look a little closer at why this could possibly be the case, what that means for Chelsea, and what the rest of this saga tells us about Nkunku and his injuries.
๐งฉ Why Would Chelsea Let Christopher Nkunku Leave?
First, let’s get one thing straight: Chelsea still has not put up a “For Sale” sign on Nkunku’s forehead. The club has not yet heavily transfer-listed him, reports TBR Football. But for what theyโre worth, they wonโt put their foot in the door if an offer with a satisfactory amount on the table falls in their lap. It seems like a parent not wanting to let their kid do the gap year thing.
Chelsea has some reserves in their squad deeper than a kale smoothie. Fourth in the Premier League, Marescaโs side has been steadily improving since finishing sixth last season. The club isn’t desperate for attacking reinforcements, as players such as Raheem Sterling, Nicolas Jackson, and Mykhailo Mudryk stepped up. It makes Nkunkuโs situationโฆ a little complicated.
The truth is that injuries overshadowed Nkunkuโs time at Chelsea. The recurring injuries have made it a frustrating journey since his arrival from RB Leipzig, and fans have seen glimpses of his brilliance. Itโs getting a Ferrari, but I have no idea when itโll actually get off the ground.
๐ฅ Who Wants Christopher Nkunku?
Enter Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, two clubs that have learned a thing or two about identifying talent. With the potential to be an amazing striker, if he can stay fit, the former is reportedly keen on both clubs signing Nkunku.
Atletico Madrid: Diego Simeoneโs side is eager to bring in different attacking options. They would fit Nkunku nicely as a striker, a winger, or an attacking midfielder.
Bayern Munich: Weโll admit it, Bayern likes to snatch their Bundesliga talent. They know what Nkunku is more than capable of after seeing his exploits in Germany. In addition, his acquisition would give us some certainty over our current forward line with uncertainty.
Both clubs are circling like sharks, but the big question is, will Chelsea bite?
๐ค The Elephant in the Room: Nkunkuโs Injuries
That โwhat if?โ has haunted Nkunkuโs Chelsea journey. What if he hadn’t injured his ankle in preseason? But what if he could stay fit for an entire campaign? Unfortunately, heโs missed significant chunks of time because of injury, and it’s taken a toll on his rhythm.
Imagine having a player whoโs been called โincredibleโ if fit and yet canโt seem to stay off the treatment table. Itโs like having the best detective in a crime show right there in the hospital bed.
However, Nkunku is a player with a tremendous amount of potential. Bayern or Atletico could provide him with the consistent game time he’s been seeking (and maybe a lucky charm to ward off injuries), and if that’s the case, we could see him deliver on the expectation that was built up to a big-money move to Chelsea.
๐ Author’s Take: Should Chelsea Let Christopher Nkunku Go?
I think, in my humble (and slightly witty) opinion, Chelsea would do well to be careful here. It would make financial sense to sell Nkunku, sure, if we get a decent bid. It would be like electing to sell your PlayStation when you have a couple of glitches. Patience, my friends!
However, if Nkunku were fit, he could be a game-changer for Chelsea. Selling him now is a case of short-term gain and long-term regret. Even if we can’t actually see him banging in goals for Bayern or Atletico and saying, “I told you so,” it’s another sight we’re also not sure we want to see.
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