- 5 hours ago
Nkunku swap deal? Chelsea rekindle interest in Saudi Pro League star
Jacque Talbot
- Updated: 4 Dec 2024 01:48 CST
- 4 min read
Ivan Toney is considering a return to England after his stint in Saudi Arabia, according to reports.
Brentford accepted a €42 million offer from Al-Ahli for the England international over the summer.
Toney scored four goals and provided two assists in 17 Premier League appearances during the 2023-24 season, while he featured for England at the 2024 European Championship. In Saudia Arabia, the 28-year-old has netted eight goals in 16 matches.
And now he is already thinking about a way back to England, per Spanish outlet Fichajes. Their report states, "Toney has not found the same motivation or level of competitiveness he enjoyed in the Premier League, opening the door to a possible return to his homeland."
READ MORE: Premier League summer transfers 2024: All the Done Deals
It's thought that Chelsea and Tottenham have shown interest in the player, though his high salary with Al-Ahli could be an obstacle for both Premier League clubs, as would his current side's valuation of the former Newcastle striker.
One way around this for Chelsea would be offering Christopher Nkunku in exchange. The player is only 26 years old and has some of his best years ahead of him.
The Frenchman has had a difficult time at Chelsea since his €62 million move from German outfit Leipzig in the summer of 2023.
Injury issues limited him to just 14 appearances during his debut campaign (only two starts) and while he has enjoyed a prolific start to the new season, Nkunku is played primarily in the Blues' 'B Team' which features in domestic and European cup competitions.
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Nkunku swap
Although he has scored 11 goals in all competitions, only one of these has been in the Premier League in 183 minutes. Seven of his goals have been in the UEFA Conference League, and have come three in the League Cup against mostly sub-standard opponents.
Compared
Ivan Toney
F (C)
Al Ahli
Ivan Toney
F (C)
Al Ahli
VS
Christopher Nkunku
AM, F, M (C)
Chelsea
Christopher Nkunku
AM, F, M (C)
Chelsea
|
|
ETV |
|
| €24.4M - €40.7M | ETV Range | €21.7M - €36.2M |
| 28 years old (16 Mar, 1996) | Age | 27 years old (14 Nov, 1997) |
|
England
|
Nationality |
France
|
Indeed, Nkunku has started just once in league football this season and is increasingly frustrated by his position in the Chelsea pecking order. Reports suggest he is now looking for a way out of the club.
It is widely reported that he has made it clear that he expects to play regularly in the next month ahead of the January transfer market.
Indeed, Chelsea could make a deal with Al-Hilal that sees a straight swap involving Nkunku and Toney in the January window - it would be a deal that works for all parties involved.
