Chelsea attacker offered Barcelona escape route

Barcelona have been presented with an opportunity to sign Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku as the Catalan club looks to address concerns over Robert Lewandowski’s future.

Nkunku has struggled to find his place under new manager Enzo Maresca. Despite impressing with five goals in five appearances in the UEFA Conference League, the Frenchman has primarily been relegated to Chelsea’s second-string squad.

Maresca has consistently favoured Nicolas Jackson in the Premier League, leaving Nkunku increasingly dissatisfied with his role. It’s thought he wants to leave Stamford Bridge now.

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According to SPORT, the 27-year-old is eager to secure more regular playing time and is open to leaving Stamford Bridge as early as January, either on loan or through a permanent move in the summer.

Nkunku’s agent, Pini Zahavi, has reportedly reached out to Barcelona, offering his client at a reduced fee. Zahavi, who maintains a close relationship with the club, has communicated that Nkunku would be willing to accept a pay cut to facilitate the transfer.

Barcelona have an emerging need for an alternative to Lewandowski. Despite an impressive tally of 16 goals in 18 La Liga games this season, the Polish striker has struggled for form recently, scoring just twice in his last seven matches.

At 36 years old, Lewandowski remains a crucial figure for Barcelona, but club officials are increasingly mindful of his age and the potential for a sharp physical decline.

What has Enzo Maresca said?

In November, Maresca emphasised that Nkunku is not for sale during the January transfer window, despite links with a host of top European clubs.

“I spoke to Christo [Nkunku] days ago,” the Chelsea boss told reporters. “He didn’t say he wasn’t happy. He would like to play more games, for sure. I completely want Christo to stay, there is no idea to allow him to go in January.”

Maresca has, however, admitted that several of Chelsea’s fringe players could push to leave the club in the mid-season window, with Nkunku among those rumoured to depart.