Barcelona transfer news: Blaugrana 'offered chance' to sign out-of-favour Chelsea forward

The French international spent around 18 months at Chelsea after completing a £52m move from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023.

Nkunku experienced a difficult first season in the Premier League, with injuries restricting him to just 11 top-flight appearances during the 2023-24 campaign.

The 27-year-old has enjoyed much better fortunes on the injury front in his second season with the West London club, giving him the chance to score 12 goals in 25 competitive matches.

While those numbers are pretty impressive, Nkunku will be frustrated with the fact he has basically been utilised as a backup option by Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca.

Barcelona offered chance to sign Nkunku

Nkunku has had to settle for just two starts in two Premier League appearances, compared to the five starts he has been given in the Conference League - a competition where Maresca tends to rotate his side.

With Nkunku struggling to force his way into Maresca's first-choice XI, there is a possibility that he could seek a move away from Stamford Bridge in order to get regular starting opportunities elsewhere.

A recent report claimed that Paris Saint-Germain were interested in Nkunku, along with Napoli, Galatasaray, Fenerbahce and his former club Leipzig.

According to Sport, Nkunku's agent Pini Zahavi has now offered Barcelona the opportunity to sign the Chelsea attacker in the new year.

The report claims that Nkunku is keen to leave Chelsea either in the January window or at the end of the current season.

Are Barcelona interested in Nkunku?

Barcelona are believed to be keen to strengthen their attacking options, with the Blaugrana on the lookout for a new winger and striker.

Nkunku could be a useful player to the Catalan giants, having proven he can play out wide, as a second striker, and as a centre-forward.

However, Hansi Flick's side are not expected to delve into the January transfer market due to their current financial situation.

The club are currently focused on solving the issue around Dani Olmo's registration rather than bringing new players into the club.

With that said, they could look into the possibility of signing Nkunku in the summer, although they may try to pull off a loan deal rather than a permanent switch.

Written by

Ben Sully