Overview

• The Athletic reports RB Leipzig are in intensive negotiations with Chelsea over Christopher Nkunku’s return after Bayern’s approach lost momentum.
• Chelsea prefer a permanent sale, while Bayern pushed a loan with an option to buy that was turned down by the Premier League club.
• Reporting differs on valuation, with AFP citing discussions up to €40 million and Sky indicating Chelsea are seeking around €50 million, a sum that would match Leipzig’s record fee.
• A possible agreement could be linked to Xavi Simons moving to Chelsea if Nkunku departs, according to The Athletic.
• Nkunku excelled at Leipzig from 2019 to 2023 with 70 goals in 172 games before a reported €60 million move to Chelsea, where he remains under contract through 2029.