Liverpool have been linked with a surprise summer signing from one of their Premier League rivals.
Under Arne Slot, Liverpool claimed the title with four games to spare. In doing so, they likely eclipsed even the most optimistic of their fan’s expectations.
Now, the recently crowned Premier League champions are already preparing for their title defence next season.
One player they’ve been linked with ahead of the summer window is Chelsea’s, Christopher Nkunku.
Despite scoring 80 goals and counting in the league, Slot will likely want to add further depth to their attacking line. This should allow them to challenge domestically and in the Champions League next season.
Liverpool interested in Chelsea’s Nkunku
Fichajes have reported that Liverpool are interested in bringing the 27-year-old to Anfield. This rumour will likely come as a shock to many because the French forward hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations since coming to England.
There has been no indication Chelsea would be open to selling him. Still, the prospect of joining the Premier League champions could be tempting.
How has Nkunku performed this season?
Nkunku joined Chelsea in the summer before the 2023/24 season but after suffering a serious injury, he missed the majority of the season.
This season, the attacker found himself in-and-out of the Chelsea team, often utilised in the Conference League games oppose to league games. In all competitions this season, he’s scored 14 goals.
In Europe, he’s played nine times, scoring five goals in the competition. He’s also picked up three assists. These numbers have helped him receive an average Sofascore rating of 7.3.
In the Premier League, he’s started just nine of his 27 appearances and has averaged 35 minutes per game. The attackers managed to score three times and claim two assists. His average rating in the league is just 6.82.
Given the quality he has, all those involved with Chelsea would likely expect to see him performing much better in the league, but his minutes have been limited due to the size of their squad.
Are the two a good fit?
Nkunku does appear to be a player that could likely fit into their style. Slot’s side plays with three forwards and other than Mo Salah, who stays on the right most of the time, the left side and centre position are interchangeable.
The 27-year-old has played mainly from the left for Chelsea, but he can operate through the middle when needed. This is something we’ve seen Slot do with Diogo Jota, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Diaz.
Even though he’s not found his scoring boots at Chelsea, the quality is still there. If he’s placed in the right environment with the right coaches and team around him, he could easily recapture the form that earned him the move to Chelsea in the first place.
It will be interesting to see if this is a deal Liverpool follow through with. He looks like he’ll be a great fit, but the question is, can Slot get the best out of him if he makes the move?