Barcelona are reportedly keeping Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku on their radar as a potential alternative if they are unable to secure Marcus Rashford from Manchester United. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the French attacker is considered a backup option should the Rashford deal fall through.
Rashford, who struggled for regular playing time under Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, spent the latter half of the 2024–25 season on loan at Aston Villa. During his loan spell, he contributed four goals and six assists in 17 matches. However, upon returning to Old Trafford, he was excluded from the first-team squad.
After missing out on Nico Williams from Athletic Club, Barcelona shifted their attention to Rashford and Liverpool’s Luis Díaz. A deal for Díaz appears complicated due to his high price tag, while a loan-to-buy arrangement for Rashford remains a more realistic possibility.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Rashford has turned down multiple offers from Saudi Pro League clubs, indicating that Barcelona is his preferred destination. However, the England international is reportedly unwilling to wait too long, as he wants to integrate with new manager Hansi Flick ahead of the upcoming season.
If a move for Rashford cannot be finalized, Plettenberg reports (via @BarcaTimes on X) that the Blaugrana will then consider Christopher Nkunku. The 27-year-old had a productive season with Chelsea, scoring 15 goals and providing five assists across 47 appearances, 25 of which were starts.
🚨🎖| 𝐉𝐔𝐒𝐓 𝐈𝐍: Christopher Nkunku is one of the alternative names on Barça’s list if the Rashford deal falls through. [@Plettigoal] #fcblive pic.twitter.com/dQFs6UQQXl
— BarçaTimes (@BarcaTimes) July 13, 2025
Nkunku’s versatility makes him an appealing option for Barcelona. He is capable of playing as a winger, attacking midfielder, or centre-forward, offering valuable flexibility to Flick’s squad.
Chelsea Enquire About €50 Million-Rated Barcelona Midfielder Marc Casado
Meanwhile, Chelsea have reportedly shown interest in Barcelona’s young midfielder Marc Casado, with a potential summer move in consideration.
Casado made his senior debut in the 2022–23 season but became a more integral part of the team under Hansi Flick during the 2024–25 campaign. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder registered one goal and six assists in 36 appearances before an LCL injury in March sidelined him for the remainder of the season.
As reported by CaughtOffside (via The Pride of London), Chelsea are among several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Manchester United, closely monitoring Casado’s situation.
Due to ongoing financial constraints, Barcelona are open to selling Casado this summer. While his contract includes a €100 million release clause, it is believed that a bid in the region of €50 million could be sufficient to convince the Catalan club to sell.
