Liverpool keen on underperforming rival star, Slot feels he can revive 27-year-old’s career

Liverpool are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Chelsea’s underwhelming forward Christopher Nkunku, with new head coach Arne Slot believing he can unlock the Frenchman’s full potential at Anfield.

Nkunku, 27, arrived at Stamford Bridge amid high expectations following his scintillating form at RB Leipzig. However, injuries and inconsistent performances have derailed what many hoped would be a prolific Premier League career. Now, Liverpool are circling, sensing an opportunity to secure a high-quality player at a reduced price.

According to reports from Fichajes, Liverpool have added Nkunku to their summer shortlist. The Reds are planning a forward-line reshuffle ahead of the 2025–26 campaign, and Slot sees Nkunku as a perfect fit for his system—versatile, technical, and hungry to prove himself.

The French international has endured a frustrating campaign at Chelsea, riddled with fitness setbacks and tactical uncertainty under various managerial changes. Despite his struggles, Nkunku has managed to register 14 goals and five assists across all competitions—a decent return considering the circumstances.

Liverpool’s interest comes at a time when Chelsea may be open to offloading players to balance the books, especially with the club facing scrutiny under Financial Fair Play regulations. Nkunku’s market value has dropped compared to last summer, and Liverpool are hoping to strike a deal they consider economically sound.

Arne Slot, who officially takes over from Jürgen Klopp this summer, is said to be enthusiastic about Nkunku’s profile. The Dutchman is confident in his ability to help the player rediscover his spark and believes that the environment at Liverpool, with its structured playing philosophy and consistent success, could provide Nkunku with the perfect conditions for a revival.

With Liverpool recently crowned Premier League champions, the club’s ambition and aura are at an all-time high. The Reds have qualified for the Champions League once again and are expected to back Slot with quality signings. For Nkunku, a move to Merseyside could represent a fresh start and a chance to contribute to a team gunning for silverware.

Slot’s philosophy heavily depends on fluid frontlines and high-intensity pressing—both of which suit Nkunku’s strengths. At RB Leipzig, he flourished in a dynamic system where he often dropped deep, combined centrally, and attacked the half-spaces with menace. Slot sees Nkunku as someone who can complement players like Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, and Mohamed Salah—or perhaps even step into a lead role if needed.

Another layer to this potential move is the uncertainty surrounding Darwin Núñez. The Uruguayan striker has had a turbulent season, struggling for consistency and drawing criticism for missed chances in key games. Although he remains a fan favorite for his work rate, the speculation linking him to a move away from Liverpool has only grown stronger in recent weeks.

Should Núñez leave, Nkunku could serve as both a direct replacement and a tactical wildcard. His ability to play across the front three—be it as a false nine, a left-sided inside forward, or a shadow striker—gives Slot the flexibility needed for a long, demanding season.

Moreover, Liverpool have dealt with multiple injury concerns in attack over the past two seasons. Diogo Jota, while effective, has struggled to stay fit for long stretches. Nkunku’s arrival would not only deepen the squad but also offer more creative options, especially in matches where Liverpool need to break down deep defensive blocks.

There’s also a strong argument that the Premier League has yet to see the best of Christopher Nkunku. His talent is undeniable, and with the right coaching, motivation, and system, he could still become one of the league’s standout forwards. Slot reportedly views this potential as a worthwhile gamble.

From a financial standpoint, Chelsea may be forced to accept a lower fee than what they paid for Nkunku, especially if they want to accelerate their squad rebuild. Liverpool, who are known for their strategic recruitment, would see this as an opportunity to sign a player entering his prime at a discount.

Nkunku’s personal stance on the move remains unclear, but the prospect of playing under a coach who believes in him, at a club that competes for trophies, could be too enticing to ignore. A move to Anfield might also reignite his ambitions at the international level, with Euro 2028 on the horizon and the French national team stacked with attacking options.

The transfer is still in the early stages, with no formal offer made yet. However, internal talks have reportedly begun, and Liverpool’s scouting department is compiling data on how Nkunku might adapt to Slot’s tactical plans.

In the coming weeks, Liverpool’s transfer strategy will become clearer, especially as the club looks to balance outgoings with smart acquisitions. If the deal materializes, Nkunku could become one of the summer’s most intriguing reclamation projects.

Ultimately, this could be a win-win scenario. Liverpool gain a high-upside attacking asset, while Nkunku gets the reset he desperately needs. Whether it’s enough to reignite his career and make him a Premier League force once more remains to be seen—but the ambition is there, and Slot appears eager to make it happen.