Report: Bayern Munich's Christopher Nkunku pursuit hits hurdle as Chelsea demand permanent switch

The Bavarians have been keen to bolster their attacking options this summer and targeted the French international, who impressed during his time at RB Leipzig before joining Chelsea in 2023.

Bayern have pushed for a loan arrangement with an option to buy, but Chelsea have held firm on wanting a straight permanent transfer.

Negotiations have intensified in recent days, with Bayern's sporting director Max Eberl leading the charge. However, the impasse has left the move in doubt.

According to reports from Bild, Nkunku's agent Pini Zahavi met with Chelsea officials and informed Bayern that the player is likely to remain at Stamford Bridge for at least another season.

"Bayern and Christopher Nkunku have a complete, verbal agreement. Nkunku wants to join Bayern," journalist Florian Plettenberg has said.

Yet, the clubs remain apart on terms. Chelsea value Nkunku around 50 million euros, per Sky reports, and have rejected loan proposals outright.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has provided the latest insight, noting that discussions continued into Monday. "Bayern and Chelsea keep talking over Christopher Nkunku, even today. Chelsea want a permanent deal; Bayern's response was let’s try and be creative, maybe a loan with option that could turn into obligation, something like this. Let’s see next week," Romano has said.

This setback adds to Bayern's frustrations in the market, following their failed bid for Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade.

The Bavarians had hoped Nkunku could provide versatility up front, but unless a compromise emerges soon, the 27-year-old appears set to stay put in London as the window winds down.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have been active in reshaping their squad and see Nkunku's potential exit as part of broader plans, but only on their conditions. With personal terms already sorted between Bayern and the player, the ball now sits with the clubs to bridge the gap, or watch the deal slip away.