Newcastle are interested in signing Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, according to reports.

The 27-year-old is expected to leave Stamford Bridge this summer just two years after arriving from RB Leipzig.

TEAMtalk claim that the Magpies have “looked into” the possibility of snapping up Nkunku, along with Juventus and Bayern Munich.

The France international is keen on a transfer, having struggled to establish himself as a regular starter under Blues head coach Enzo Maresca.

Nkunku’s asking price is likely to be an issue

While the forward is hopeful of moving teams over the coming weeks, Chelsea’s valuation of the player could scare off potential suitors.

It is believed that they have told interested clubs to pay €70m (£59m) for Nkunku. Juve have already baulked at the price tag, while you can’t see Newcastle paying a fee close to that figure either.

He has struggled with fitness issues since arriving in English football, having picked up a knee injury that kept him out for several months during his first campaign. His performances in the Premier League have also been mediocre, to put it kindly.

Why are Newcastle interested in the player?

Looking at Nkunku’s stats in isolation this season, his 14 goals and 5 assists in 42 appearances is not a poor return. However, it must be pointed out that the majority of his goal contributions have come in the Conference League, against lower standard opponents.

If we look at his Premier League record since joining Chelsea, it doesn’t make for good reading. He has scored 6 goals in 38 games.

However, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe may think he can get more out of Nkunku. He has been keen to bring in a No.10 for several years, having failed in previous attempts to buy the likes of James Maddison and Dominik Szoboszlai.

Find out who is in Newcastle United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here