Arsenal exploring shock move for unsettled Chelsea forward wanted by Bayern Munich

Arsenal are set to pursue a surprise summer move for Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku, a report has claimed.

Nkunku is expected to consider his options at the end of the season after failing to force his way into Enzo Maresca's starting lineup. He has been a regular feature in the Conference League but, even with Nicolas Jackson spending weeks sidelined through injury, has only made nine Premier League starts.

One option available to Nkunku, according to RMC Sport, is Arsenal. It is claimed the Gunners were keen on a January move for the Frenchman and will reignite a pursuit at the end of the season.

Arsenal want a new striker this summer and are thought to be focusing their efforts on Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, but Nkunku could offer a versatile alternative thanks to his ability to perform on the left wing - a position in which the Gunners are also looking to strengthen.

Competition is expected to be provided by Bayern Munich, whose interest in a January transfer was well-known. It was reported at the time that Nkunku wanted to make the move but only on a permanent basis, which was rendered impossible by Chelsea's £70m asking price.

Christian Falk states Nkunku is still hopeful of moving to Bayern but, once again, finances could prove an issue as the Bundesliga leaders are currently focusing their efforts on a blockbuster move for Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, who is likely to cost over £100m.

For Bayern to fund a move for Nkunku, they would need to sell Mathys Tel permanently - as was the case in January. The French youngster joined Tottenham Hotspur on a six-month loan in January and Spurs do hold the option to make the move permanent for a little over £50m, although reports on the likelihood of that being triggered are mixed.

Chelsea are not thought to be desperate to part ways with Nkunku but would likely listen to offers for the frustrated forward as they bid to shake up their own forward line.

Ipswich Town's Liam Delap is the Blues' leading target, and any move for the Englishman would be comfortably funded by Nkunku's sale as a release clause of £30m will become active in Delap's contract if Kieran McKenna's side are sent back to the Championship, as immiently expected.

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