Liverpool Have ‘Held Talks’ to Sign £52m Chelsea Star This Summer – Report | OneFootball

Liverpool Eye Chelsea’s £52m Nkunku After Palmer Blow

As Liverpool begin plotting their title defence, a new name has emerged on their transfer radar: Christopher Nkunku. Graeme Bailey of TBR Football reports that the newly-crowned Premier League champions have initiated contact with the Chelsea forward’s representatives, a signal of their continued ambition despite already boasting one of England’s most potent attacks.

Nkunku’s London Limbo

Nkunku arrived at Chelsea from RB Leipzig in a £52 million deal, but his Premier League journey has so far been one of frustration and fleeting glimpses of his talent. With just nine league starts this season, despite contributing 14 goals and five assists in 42 appearances across competitions, his role under successive Chelsea regimes has been inconsistent at best.

Chelsea are reportedly open to a sale, seeking to recoup as much of their investment as possible. “Nkunku has known since last summer that he could leave Chelsea and he almost departed in January,” Bailey noted. “This summer he will almost certainly depart Stamford Bridge.”

With Nkunku’s entourage “doing their due diligence,” a move abroad seems most likely. But with Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham, Newcastle, and Aston Villa all in the mix, the Premier League may still remain his stage. “His people are touching base with clubs in England,” Bailey added.

Squad Evolution Under Slot

Liverpool are expected to be busy this summer as the champions look to build a dynasty. With Mohamed Salah still performing at an elite level – 28 goals in the league this season – the need isn’t necessarily for a starting forward, but depth and stylistic flexibility.

Photo IMAGO

Nkunku, capable of playing across the front three or in an advanced midfield role, fits that brief. He may not have been central to Chelsea’s plans, but Liverpool may see in him the untapped potential to take their attack to new heights – particularly if key forwards are rotated more heavily in the coming campaign.

Transfer Race Still Open

Bailey’s insight also underlines the competitiveness of this race. “I am told the player is very happy in London, and so would a move to Arsenal or Tottenham appeal?” he posed. With Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, and Atletico Madrid also monitoring the situation, this is far from a one-horse race.

Chelsea’s willingness to sell, even to a direct rival, underlines their need to streamline the bloated squad inherited by manager Enzo Maresca. Whether Liverpool will meet the asking price – or whether Nkunku would accept a rotational role at Anfield – remains to be seen.

Yet what’s clear is this: Liverpool, even after clinching the title, are not standing still.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

From a fan’s perspective, this rumour is both intriguing and slightly baffling. Nkunku, despite his clear quality, hasn’t exactly shone in blue – and his injury record since joining Chelsea might concern some on Merseyside.

Nkunku might not have hit his best form this season, but there’s no denying his technical ceiling is high. If Liverpool believe they can restore the form that lit up Leipzig – and if the fee is reasonable – then this could be a savvy gamble.

Still, it’s a risky one. The wage demands, the potential injury risk, and Chelsea’s asking price make this a complicated deal. Fans will hope this isn’t a reactionary move but a well-scouted decision shaped by data and development potential. If Nkunku comes in, supporters will want to see him used as more than just a depth option – otherwise, the question will be whether that money might’ve been better spent on a Salah successor or defensive reinforcement.