Liverpool ‘In Talks’ with £52m Chelsea Star Over Potential Summer Move – Journalist | OneFootball

Liverpool Open Talks for Christopher Nkunku Amid Cole Palmer Setback

In a surprising turn of events, Liverpool are reportedly in discussions over a potential move for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku. According to Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, the newly-crowned Premier League champions are exploring the idea of strengthening their already formidable attack by pursuing the French international.

With Chelsea making it clear that Cole Palmer is not for sale, Liverpool appear to have swiftly shifted their attention to Nkunku, a player who has long been admired across Europe. Bailey revealed:“Nkunku has known since last summer that he could leave Chelsea and he almost departed in January, but this summer he will almost certainly depart Stamford Bridge.”

The Reds, who scored 80 goals in just 34 league games this season and clinched the title under new manager Arne Slot, are clearly not resting on their laurels. While Mohamed Salah remains the figurehead in attack with 28 league goals to his name, Liverpool are evidently keen to future-proof their offensive options.

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Chelsea Exit Likely for Nkunku

Christopher Nkunku’s time at Stamford Bridge has been hampered by injuries, and he has failed to make the consistent impact many anticipated following his high-profile move from RB Leipzig. Despite this, he remains a player of considerable talent and versatility—qualities that would certainly appeal to Arne Slot’s fluid tactical system.

Graeme Bailey also notes that “his people are touching base with clubs in England,” suggesting that Chelsea are preparing for his potential departure. Clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, and Newcastle United have also been in touch, but Liverpool’s immediate interest could give them an edge in securing the 26-year-old.

Given Liverpool’s track record in revitalising players’ careers and the high standards of competition at Anfield, it’s not unthinkable that Nkunku could rediscover his best form under Slot.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal and Man United Also in the Mix

Bailey names “Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Tottenham” as clubs who have all been contacted. This widespread interest is understandable given Nkunku’s pedigree and the perception that he remains an untapped asset in English football.

For Liverpool, who have reportedly also shown interest in Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, the pursuit of Nkunku may form part of a broader plan to bolster their squad depth, particularly with questions around Salah’s long-term future continuing to linger.

Slot Planning Ruthless Summer Rebuild?

Despite winning the Premier League in emphatic fashion—with a final flourish in the 5-1 dismantling of Tottenham at Anfield—Arne Slot seems intent on evolution rather than celebration. His reported interest in two high-calibre attacking additions suggests a shift towards greater tactical flexibility and perhaps even preparation for life after Salah.

Photo: IMAGO

This level of ambition sets the tone for what could be one of the most interesting transfer windows in recent Liverpool history. Whether Nkunku is the right profile to succeed at Anfield remains to be seen, but his technical ability and positional versatility certainly tick several boxes.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From the perspective of a sceptical Liverpool fan, the Christopher Nkunku link might feel like déjà vu—a story built more on agency briefings than real Anfield intent. While Graeme Bailey is a reliable journalist and deserves credit for sourcing this update, many fans will be asking: why take a punt on a player who’s had more physio sessions than minutes this season?

There’s also the Chelsea tax to consider. Spending upwards of £50m on a player they’re quietly willing to sell feels like bad business, especially when Liverpool have historically succeeded with smart scouting rather than flashy moves for rivals’ cast-offs.

Nkunku was electric in the Bundesliga, but since arriving in London he’s struggled to maintain any momentum. Is this another Keita-style gamble? We’re not short on forwards—Jota, Diaz, Nunez, Gakpo, and Salah are all capable. And with Ben Doak emerging and Harvey Elliott growing in stature, would this be the best use of resources?

Slot’s title win has earned him trust, but fans will want to see a plan—one that isn’t reactive to transfer snubs like the Palmer situation. Nkunku might well prove us wrong, but right now, this feels more like noise than necessity.