Christopher Nkunku's Bayern Munich transfer at risk of COLLAPSE as attacker makes unexpected decision on his future - with Blues' Xavi Simons move now under threat

Nkunku's move to Bayern is in doubt as the Bundesliga champions only want to pursue a loan deal rather than a permanent transfer, according to BILD's Christian Falk. Nkunku himself is not interested in a temporary deal, as reported by Sacha Tavolieri, who adds Chelsea want €40 million (£34.4m/$46.7m) for the France international, who still has another four years left to run on his contract at Stamford Bridge.

Nkunku has been a major disappointment for Chelsea since arriving in 2023 from Leipzig, where he had scored 70 goals in 172 appearances in all competitions. Injuries severely limited the 27-year-old's availability in his first season in west London and his second campaign saw Nkunku mainly reserved for the Conference League, with Cole Palmer preferred by Enzo Maresca as the Blues' regular No.10.

Chelsea are keen on current Leipzig star Simons and want to bring the Netherlands international in before the summer transfer window closes. However, it is thought his arrival is dependent on Nkunku leaving, meaning the west Londoners need to make progress in their negotiations with Bayern to free up space for Simons' arrival. Leipzig's sporting director, Marcel Schafer, said at the weekend: "A transfer will only happen if it makes sporting and financial sense. If that’s not the case, Xavi will be an RB Leipzig player next year as well."

Leipzig want €70 million (£60.3m/$81.7m) for Simons and won't back down from that price, according to German outlet Kicker. If Chelsea aren't willing to stump up the cash for the 22-year-old, who is said to have rejected interest from Bayern and Manchester City and is only interested in joining Maresca's side, it would mean Nkunku likely stays for another season unless a new buyer can be found in the final weeks of the window.