Christopher Nkunku is reportedly eyeing a Bundesliga return, with Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig interested.

The future of Christopher Nkunku is edging closer to a resolution, with sources confirming that the Chelsea forward wants to return to the Bundesliga. Both Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are actively exploring deals, though the structure of any transfer could prove decisive in the coming weeks.

Nkunku’s time at Stamford Bridge has not gone according to plan. Since his arrival in 2023, injuries and inconsistent opportunities have limited him to just 27 appearances and 911 minutes of action. Despite his pedigree as one of the most prolific forwards in German football, his time in the Premier League has left more questions than answers.

A return to familiar surroundings

According to TBR Football’s Graeme Bailey, the 27-year-old is pushing for a Bundesliga return, with both Bayern Munich and former club RB Leipzig keen to bring him back. “The growing feeling is that he really wants to go back to Germany,” Bailey said.

While Nkunku is open to the switch, the stumbling block is how any transfer will be structured. Chelsea are prioritising a permanent sale or at least a loan with an obligation to buy, with the club keen to raise funds as they continue their aggressive recruitment drive that includes pursuits of Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons.

By contrast, both Bayern Munich and Leipzig are limited to loan-only options. RB Leipzig already have a loan proposal on the table, while Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl has publicly confirmed the club’s mandate to only pursue loans until Deadline Day.

“The club have decided that we want to save money. The mandate is to bring in a player on loan,” he explained. That puts Chelsea in a difficult position, as their preference for a permanent exit may clash with Nkunku’s wish to return to familiar surroundings in Germany.

End of the road at Chelsea for Christopher Nkunku?

Nkunku’s situation raises the question of whether Chelsea ever truly maximised his potential. At RB Leipzig, he thrived as one of Europe’s most clinical and versatile attackers, scoring freely and often carrying the side in key matches. His form was what convinced Chelsea to spend £52.7 million on him, but in England, injuries and fierce competition limited his momentum.

Some may argue he was never given the platform to replicate his Bundesliga dominance. Others will point to his fitness issues as a major stumbling block. Either way, both player and club now appear aligned on the fact that a clean break is necessary.

With less than two weeks left in the window, the next steps are crucial. Chelsea want to recoup funds to finalise other marquee deals, while Nkunku is adamant on a return to Germany. Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig are circling, but their loan-only stance might delay or even derail a move.

Ultimately, Nkunku’s future may hinge on whether Chelsea compromise on their demands. If they do, a Bundesliga reunion looks increasingly likely, perhaps the best chance for the Frenchman to revive the form that made him one of Europe’s most feared forwards.