Chelsea transfer news: Christopher Nkunku receives fresh 'interest' from two Premier League clubs

Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku has reportedly emerged as a transfer target for two more Premier League clubs.

The France international has just played a valuable part in the Blues' successful Club World Cup campaign, including being introduced as a substitute in the final.

However, despite rebuilding his reputation during the tournament in the United States, it remains likely that he will leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

Earlier this week, there was a suggestion that Chelsea officials were prepared to lower the playmaker's asking price at a time when they are attempting to bring in RB Leipzig's Xavi Simons.

Should that deal go through, the Netherlands international would essentially act as a straight replacement, and it appears as though admirers in Nkunku are now lining up in their droves.

Which Premier League clubs want Nkunku?

According to The Telegraph, both Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest are interested in negotiating a deal with their Chelsea counterparts.

Up until now, Manchester United had appeared to be the most likely Premier League destination for Nkunku, but they have since signed alternative targets.

The report adds that Bayern Munich are continuing to monitor any developments and an official approach remains a possibility.

Furthermore, teams in Serie A are said to hold an interest in the 27-year-old, who cost £52m when Chelsea signed him two years ago.

Generating that level of fee may prove difficult for Chelsea, yet they will be encouraged by the growing interest in the versatile attacker.

Would Nkunku consider Newcastle or Nottingham Forest?

With Newcastle having missed out on Hugo Ekitike, they are in the market for an attacker who is capable of playing in more than one position.

Nkunku would ideally prefer to play as a number 10 - a role that Eddie Howe does not use in the strictest form - but he is capable of featuring across the forward line.

Forest may soon require a like-for-like replacement for Morgan Gibbs-White and there is a strong argument that Nkunku is a far better fit for Forest than Newcastle.

Nevertheless, he may also prefer to join a Champions League club, particularly when a team the size of Bayern are also admirers in his ability.

Written by
Darren Plant