Tottenham gifted golden chance to sign £52m playmaker and banish Eze embarrassment – sources
Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up a move for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku as they look to inject fresh firepower into their attack, according to well-placed sources.
The north London side had made Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze their top attacking target earlier in the summer, but their plans were abruptly derailed when Arsenal swooped in to seal a £60 million deal for the England international. That move has forced Spurs to recalibrate their recruitment strategy, with Nkunku now emerging as one of the leading candidates to strengthen Thomas Frank’s squad.
At this stage, no formal bid has been lodged with Chelsea, yet Nkunku’s name remains high on Tottenham’s list of possibilities. Club insiders describe the Frenchman as a player of “serious interest,” not just for his technical qualities but also for his versatility across the frontline.
Nkunku, 27, arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2023 from RB Leipzig in a £52m transfer, a move that carried high expectations. However, his time in west London has been hampered by injuries and fierce competition for attacking places. Though flashes of brilliance have reminded Chelsea fans of his talent — particularly during the 2024/25 campaign — he has struggled to cement a regular starting role.
There is also an element of uncertainty surrounding his future. Sources close to the player suggest he would be open to a return to Germany, with former club Leipzig monitoring developments closely and keen to engineer a reunion. Thus far, however, no substantial negotiations between Chelsea and Leipzig have taken place, meaning Tottenham still have room to maneuver if they wish to step in.
Spurs’ motivation to secure another creative forward has grown in urgency following the news that James Maddison faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines with a serious injury. His absence has left Frank’s system short of invention and attacking drive in the final third. Nkunku’s profile — equally comfortable operating as a forward or attacking midfielder — makes him a tailor-made solution to fill that void. His explosive acceleration, close control, and knack for finding the net would bring variety to a frontline that at times lacks unpredictability.
The Frenchman’s record in Germany illustrates just how effective he can be. During the 2022/23 Bundesliga season, he scored 20 goals in 34 league appearances for Leipzig, numbers that underline his capacity to transform an attack and swing results in his team’s favor.
Chelsea, for their part, are not especially eager to strengthen a direct Premier League rival. Yet the Blues may eventually be swayed if Nkunku continues to receive limited minutes in Mauricio Pochettino’s rotation. Tottenham are believed to be considering testing Chelsea’s resolve with a formal offer in the coming days.
Leipzig’s lingering interest could complicate negotiations, but Spurs’ determination to land a marquee addition is being fueled by their broader ambition of competing for a top-four finish and Champions League football.
As the transfer window ticks towards its dramatic finale, Frank and his recruitment team are under pressure to deliver. A successful swoop for Nkunku would represent not only a statement signing but also a decisive response to Arsenal’s capture of Eze, potentially reigniting Tottenham’s attacking spark just when they need it most.