Ofure Akhigbe
Chelsea are undergoing significant reshaping as two of their key attacking players make high-profile moves. Striker Nicolas Jackson is set to join Bayern Munich on loan with an option to buy, while France international Christopher Nkunku has sealed a £36m switch to AC Milan.
Nkunku, 27, has signed a lucrative five-year deal with the Serie A giants, bringing an end to his two-year stint at Stamford Bridge. His time at Chelsea may have been short, but the forward’s contributions were felt across competitions, playing a pivotal role in securing the Club World Cup and Conference League titles last season.
Meanwhile, Jackson, 24, is preparing for a fresh chapter in Germany. The Senegalese forward has agreed to a pre-contract with Bayern Munich and will travel to Germany to complete his move. Chelsea will receive an initial loan fee of £13m, with Bayern securing an option to make the deal permanent for £56.2m. A sell-on clause is also part of the deal, ensuring Chelsea retains a stake in Jackson’s future.
These two departures—Nkunku’s permanent sale and Jackson’s loan move—are a part of Chelsea’s strategic financial overhaul. This summer alone, the Blues have raised £309m from player sales, bolstering their balance sheet ahead of UEFA sanctions that demand a positive transfer balance to register new signings for the Champions League.
Nkunku’s departure follows a solid 62 appearances for Chelsea, during which he netted 18 goals and provided five assists. Despite the challenges, his time in London proved valuable, both on the pitch and in Chelsea’s international triumphs.
With the transfer window still open, both moves represent a bold step in Chelsea’s evolving squad strategy under new ownership.