£52m Chelsea flop handed transfer lifeline as Liverpool begin talks after Enzo Maresca snub

has been handed a transfer lifeline after it was reported that Liverpool have started talks with the Chelsea forward over a possible summer move.

Nkunku, 27, has in June 2023. He endured a difficult first season with injuries, and while he has stayed fit for most of the 2024/25 campaign, his form has been inconsistent.

After scoring three times in 14 matches last season, Nkunku has netted 14 in 42 appearances this term. Although that doesn't seem a record to be sniffed that, half of those goals have come in the Conference League.

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Last month, it emerged that Nkunku had handed in a transfer request in an attempt to bring an end to his difficult spell at Stamford Bridge. He is eager to get his career back on track elsewhere and believes that a summer departure from the Blues would help him return to his best form.

Now, according to French publication , Liverpool have entered the race to sign Nkunku and he is on their shortlist of targets. It's added that discussions have started over a potential move to Anfield.

Liverpool's hierarchy are in the market for attacking players and feel that Nkunku could fit right in to Arne Slot's system, as he is capable of playing as a forward, second striker and No.10.

Bayern Munich, meanwhile, remain keen to secure Nkunku's signature after missing out on a deal in January. Leroy Sane is expected to leave Bayern and Vincent Kompany's side are on the search for a replacement, with Florian Wirtz among the others they are looking at this summer.

Newcastle are also keeping a close eye on Nkunku's situation, but they haven't made a formal approach and are behind Liverpool and Bayern in the fight for the ex-Paris Saint-Germain man.

Foot Mercato claim that Nkunku has his heart set on joining a Champions League team and playing in that competition is 'very important' to him.

Nkunku hasn't played a single minute for Chelsea since their Conference League quarter-final second leg clash against Legia Warsaw on Thursday, May 17. Enzo Maresca has refused to comment on the reason for his absence, revealing it was a 'technical decision' when asked about the situation last month.

After Maresca said that "Christo is still out" in his pre-match press conference on Thursday, he won't be involved in Chelsea's must-win Premier League game against Manchester United.

Chelsea are hoping to receive a fee in the region of £35m to sanction the departure of Nkunku, who has four years left on his contract.