Just a year after arriving at Stamford Bridge with high expectations, Christopher Nkunku is now poised to leave Chelsea.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the French forward has long been aware that his Chelsea stay might be short-lived. In fact, a January exit was nearly finalised before plans were shelved—temporarily, as it now appears.

Nkunku’s debut time in West London has been marred by injuries, limiting his opportunities to show the form that made him one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents at RB Leipzig. But despite his limited game time, the 26-year-old remains a player in high demand. Chelsea fans may feel robbed of the chance to see him truly shine in blue, but the interest surrounding him suggests others believe he still has plenty to offer.

While a move abroad looks most likely at the moment, his representatives have been quietly active in the Premier League market. Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle, Aston Villa, and Tottenham have all reportedly held informal discussions over a potential deal. It’s a clear sign that the talent remains intact—and the market recognises it.

For Chelsea, Nkunku’s potential departure reflects the wider uncertainty at the club. The Blues have endured a turbulent campaign under new leadership, and more changes seem inevitable this summer. With Nkunku likely on his way out, Chelsea’s recruitment team will once again be under pressure to find attacking quality capable of delivering both consistency and impact.

Nkunku arrived with promise and might be leaving with frustration—a story Chelsea fans have become all too familiar with in recent years. If this is truly the end of his time in West London, many will be left wondering what could have been.