Nottingham Forest have ‘now’ come in for £52m Chelsea player in last 24 hours

Nottingham Forest have now reportedly entered the race to sign a Chelsea player who was part of the Club World Cup squad this summer.

It was a successful end to the 2024/25 season for Chelsea, winning the Club World Cup in style by thrashing Paris Saint-Germain in the final.

Chelsea bosses have urged the players to stay humble after their recent success, but supporters have every right to be excited about the future of their young squad.

• READ MORE: Reece James shares what Donald Trump said to him after Club World Cup success

Nottingham Forest join Christopher Nkunku race

The future of Blues attacker Christopher Nkunku, 27, is certainly an interesting talking point this summer.

Chelsea staff were impressed with Nkunku’s involvement at the Club World Cup, where he played six times and scored an important goal in a knockout victory against Benfica. However, previous reports claimed that Nkunku is deemed ‘surplus to requirements’ at Stamford Bridge as they prepare to sell him.

Journalist Simon Phillips reports via Substack that he heard from sources on Monday afternoon that Nottingham Forest have ‘now’ come in with interest in signing Nkunku.

It is understood that the French forward also has interest from Newcastle United, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and other clubs around Europe. Phillips adds that the Chelsea man may prefer to remain in the Premier League, so let’s wait and see what happens in the remainder of the window.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s Forest side includes former Chelsea youngsters Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ola Aina. If Nkunku joins them at the City Ground, it would feel like a statement addition for the Reds.

How much Christopher Nkunku could cost

Nkunku, who joined Chelsea for £52m (BBC) from RB Leipzig two years ago, has struggled to hit top form at Stamford Bridge.

He struggled to force his way into Chelsea’s best XI last term, with both Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson above him in the pecking order. Therefore, it’s no major surprise to see him linked with an exit after the arrival of more attackers this summer.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea’s current asking price for Nkunku is currently €50m (£43m).

John Obi Mikel thinks Nkunku needs to leave Chelsea to reignite his career, which we think could make sense for all parties.

Thomas Tuchel has already highlighted exactly why Chelsea want to sign Xavi Simons this summer

RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons could be the next attacker to arrive at Chelsea after becoming a priority target for the Club World Cup winners.

Chelsea have already brought in Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, but their work in the transfer market is not done yet.

While Simons could be set to join the Blues, several exits at Stamford Bridge are also expected. Renato Veiga could leave and make his current employers some profit, while the likes of Joao Felix, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell will be expected to follow.

Regarding Simons’ potential arrival, though, Thomas Tuchel may have already given some insight into why his former club want to sign the versatile attacker.

• READ MORE: Chelsea fans are making the same point about Xavi Simons as talks begin, it involves Enzo Maresca

Thomas Tuchel has praised Xavi Simons’ technical ability, calmness and finishing

Tuchel worked with Simons at Paris Saint-Germain during his time as manager there, and the 22-year-old seems to have left a good impression on him.

In 2023, Tuchel’s Bayern Munich side took on Simons and Leipzig, and the German spoke very highly of his former player before the game, commenting on his technical skill, calmness in possession and efficiency in front of goal.

“I had Xavi Simons as a very young player in Paris,” Tuchel said in a pre-match press conference, which was relayed by PSG Post. “It was clear he had a lot of potential, he’s extremely talented.”

The ex-Chelsea head coach later went on to add: “I think his best position is half winger, half 10, so he can be free. He is technically strong, calm with the ball, and very good in front of goal.”

There is no doubt that Chelsea scouts have recognised these things as the Blues work on signing Simons from Leipzig.

According to journalist Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea held talks with Simons’ camp on Monday in their bid to bring the Dutchman to west London this summer.

How Xavi Simons feels about joining Chelsea

If Chelsea can reach an agreement with Leipzig to sign Simons, the former PSG player should end up in blue.

While Arsenal are also interested in his signature, it is thought that Simons finds a move to Chelsea more appealing.

Simons has crossed paths with Arsenal before, helping his PSV Eindhoven side to beat the Gunners 2-0 in a Europa League game.