Aston Villa are keeping tabs on Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku as they look to add to their attacking options before the window closes.
Unai Emery’s side are understood to be aware of the terms that the Blues would require to sanction an exit for the 27-year-old this summer.
Nkunku has been informed that he can search for a new club after Enzo Maresca made it clear that the France international will not feature in his plans this season.
The forward arrived at Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2023 after his impressive performances in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig earned him a call-up to the French national team.
On his arrival in west London Nkunku was immediately sidelined with a knee injury and has struggled to hold down a place in the team since returning to fitness.
Last season Nkunku was limited to just nine Premier League starts as the Blues finished fourth to qualify for the Champions League.
Aston Villa have enquired about the availability of Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku
Enzo Maresca revealed this week that the Frenchman is training alone as he prepares to leave the Blues
However, Villa are not the only club in the race to secure the Frenchman’s signature this summer.
Several Bundesliga clubs including both Bayern Munich and Nkunku’s former side Leipzig are understood to be keeping tabs on the player.
Like Nkunku, fellow Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson has been told he can leave the club this summer.
Speaking ahead of his side’s win over West Ham this week, Maresca revealed that the pair are training alone in anticipation of an exit.
‘We’ll see if they’re still here after September 1. If not, it means they’ve found a solution,’ the Chelsea boss said.
‘I think it’s better if they do, because they’ll be happier. Both are training separately and won’t be in the squad tomorrow.’
