Christopher Nkunku reconsidering decision to join Chelsea amid interest from European giants: Reports
RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, who is said to have secured a permanent summer move to Chelsea, is reportedly reconsidering his future amid interest from Real Madrid.
Nkunku, 25, has emerged as one of the best offensive-minded players in the world since the start of last season. He shot to fame with his fine exploits, registering 35 goals and 20 assists 52 games across all competitions last term.
A right-footed second striker blessed with pace and shooting, the eight-cap France international reportedly agreed to a £53 million transfer to Chelsea last December. He is set to be announced as a new signing on July 1 this year.
According to Fichajes, Nkunku is reassessing his upcoming switch to the Blues as he has been linked with Real Madrid. He is wary about joining the Stamford Bridge side due to their failure to secure European action next season.
Nkunku, who joined Die Roten Bullen from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for an initial fee of £11 million in 2019, is keen to secure a move to a club capable of competing on multiple fronts. As a result, he is unwilling to join Chelsea.
Should Nkunku join the La Liga outfit in the upcoming summer transfer window, he could prove to be a good signing for them. He would provide competition to Karim Benzema and could also step in as a backup wide-operator.
Nkunku, who has suffered two injuries since the turn of the year, has been in good form in the ongoing 2022-23 campaign. He has scored 20 goals and laid out seven assists in 34 games across competitions for Leipzig so far.
Chelsea warned against launching a move for Bundesliga attacker
Speaking to GiveMeSport, famed journalist Paul Brown stated that Chelsea should avoid pursuing a permanent deal for Bayern Munich forward Sadio Mane ahead of the upcoming 2023-24 season. He elaborated:
"I think signing Sadio Mane would be a very foolish thing to do. Chelsea have enough wingers to fill out three teams, let alone one, and to add another one who has just turned 31 is a pretty ridiculous idea, in my view."
Mane, 31, has struggled to live up to expectations at Bayern Munich since arriving from Liverpool for around £35 million last summer. He has netted just 12 goals and provided six assists in 38 matches for his club this term.
The Blues, on the other hand, have identified Mane as a potential summer signing, as per Football Insider. They are currently aiming to add an experienced forward to their ranks while complying with Financial Fair Play rules.