LaLiga Giants Interested: Chelsea Risks Repeating Havertz Scenario with £52m Star

Chelsea’s 2024/25 season has started impressively under new manager Enzo Maresca, who has quickly adapted to life at Stamford Bridge. The Italian has led the Blues to second place in the Premier League while maintaining a perfect record in the Europa Conference League.

Maresca has transformed the team’s style, implementing an attractive attacking approach that has resulted in 37 goals scored – the second-highest in the league behind Tottenham Hotspur. Cole Palmer has continued his excellent form, contributing 17 goals in the league and playing a crucial role in the team’s offensive success.

However, one player who may be on the verge of leaving West London due to limited first-team opportunities is Christopher Nkunku. According to Spanish reports, the £52m forward has been offered to Barcelona by his agent Pini Zahavi.

Nkunku joined Chelsea in summer 2023 but missed most of his debut season due to injury. This season, he has made 16 league appearances, but only two as a starter. Despite limited playing time, Nkunku has scored 12 goals in all competitions, including 7 in the Conference League.

The French forward is reportedly frustrated with his lack of playing time and may seek a move in January, either on loan or permanently. Barcelona is one potential destination, but Chelsea must find a way to integrate Nkunku into their plans to avoid repeating the Kai Havertz situation.

Havertz, who joined Chelsea for £72m in 2020, scored only 32 goals in three years before moving to Arsenal. At Arsenal, he has thrived, scoring 14 goals last season and already netting 11 times this campaign.

Nkunku shares similarities with Havertz in playing style and versatility. Both can operate behind the striker or as a lone forward. While neither fully lived up to their transfer fees at Chelsea, they consistently delivered goals in key moments.

Chelsea must find a suitable plan to keep Nkunku at Stamford Bridge to avoid losing another top-quality attacker. His frustration is understandable given his limited Premier League action, but the club risks repeating past mistakes if they allow him to leave prematurely.