Chelsea plot SHOCK Nkunku swap deal offer

Cameron Smith

20 Dec 2024 22:30 GMT
3 min read

Christopher Nkunku, Enzo Maresca, Chelsea — © IMAGO

Chelsea are eager to include Christopher Nkunku in a swap deal bid to sign Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez, according to sensational reports in Spain.

Article continues under the video

Nkunku, 27, moved to Stamford Bridge from RB Leipzig last summer, but he endured an injury-hit debut campaign at the club, while he is now behind Nicolas Jackson in the pecking order under Enzo Maresca.

The France international is Chelsea’s top goalscorer in all competitions so far this season, with 12 strikes, however he has only started two Premier League matches during the 2024-25 campaign and he has been heavily linked with an exit next year.

READ MORE: Chelsea launch NEW transfer policy

Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly interested in bringing Nkunku back to the club, while Manchester United have emerged as a possible destination as Ruben Amorim searches for a Marcus Rashford replacement amid rumours the Englishman will leave in January.

However, Barcelona could also enter the race to sign Nkunku, with Chelsea open to including the Frenchman in a swap deal for the aforementioned Lopez, according to El Nacional.

The Spanish outlet claim that Chelsea’s hierarchy are eager to bring Lopez to the club, amid his lack of game time at Barcelona, and Nkunku has reportedly been offered in exchange for the 21-year-old midfielder.

© IMAGO - Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Fermin Lopez

What has Enzo Maresca said?

In November, Maresca emphasised that Nkunku is not for sale during the January transfer window, despite links with a host of top European clubs.

“I spoke to Christo [Nkunku] days ago,” the Chelsea boss told reporters. “He didn't say he wasn't happy. He would like to play more games, for sure. I completely want Christo to stay, there is no idea to allow him to go in January.”

Maresca has, however, admitted that several of Chelsea’s fringe players could push to leave the club in the mid-season window, with Nkunku among those rumoured to depart.