Arsenal could 'raid Chelsea' for £52m star after January transfer approach

Arsenal are expected to reignite their interest in a stunning swoop for wantaway Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku this summer, according to reports. Nkunku looks primed to seek a Stamford Bridge escape at the end of the season, and a cross-London switch could be one of the options on the table.

The Frenchman joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in a £52million deal in 2023 but suffered an early long-term injury and has struggled to establish himself since. Nkunku is the Blues' joint-top goalscorer this season, netting 14 times in all competitions, but Enzo Maresca often uses him on the wing rather than his favoured central position. And that's when he actually gets minute, having grown accustomed to starting games as a substitute.

According to RMC Sport, Nkunku is increasingly considering a Chelsea exit this summer, and several European heavyweights are showing interest.

The 27-year-old was linked with an exit in the January transfer window, with Manchester United touted as suitors to bolster Ruben Amorim's attacking firepower.

Arsenal were also reportedly in the frame as Mikel Arteta navigated an attacking injury crisis, which stifled the Gunners' Premier League title challenge.

It's claimed that the Emirates Stadium giants are set to join Bayern Munich in returning to the table this summer, and Nkunku wants a club playing in the Champions League.

Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf has urged the club to part ways with Nkunku in the coming months, insisting the exciting transfer hasn't worked out.

He said: "I think they need to cut their losses and go their separate ways. It's best for the club but also the future of the player. Careers are pretty short so you have to react quickly if it doesn't work.

"And it can happen like this; sometimes, the chemistry doesn't work. I was very happy to see him come to Chelsea, but it's never worked.

"He's never been able to settle down, maybe because the position he's been offered wasn't the right one.

"It's never worked for him, but he's still a good player. He will have to rebound, but we've seen that before with players like Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah when they left."

Nkunku's future at Chelsea has also descended into further uncertainty amid reports that Maresca is eyeing more attacking firepower in the transfer market.

The Blues reportedly plan to sign a winger and striker as part of their summer recruitment drive, which would make minutes even more difficult to come by.