Chelsea star linked with move to Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich ahead of potential January exit: Reports

Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku has reportedly attracted attention from Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich amid rumours about the Frenchman's future.

Nkunku, 27, has struggled to cement himself as a crucial starter for the Blues since arriving in a £52 million transfer from RB Leipzig in 2023. He is deemed as a backup to first-choice striker Nicolas Jackson by Blues head coach Enzo Maresca.

Now, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Chelsea will not force Nkunku to stay at the team this month with the star forward unhappy about his lack of game time. Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are closely monitoring the versatile attacker's situation at the Blues.

Despite interest from a number of teams, the Blues are not keen to lose Nkunku in the middle of the ongoing season. But, their top brass know they cannot keep a first-team player who is unhappy and would accept a good transfer offer.

Nkunku, whose current contract will expire in June 2029, has started just 12 of his 27 outings in all competitions for Chelsea this campaign. The PSG academy graduate has found the back of the net 12 times and registered four assists so far.

Chelsea legend Petr Cech opines on rival star

Earlier on Sunday (January 5), Tottenham Hotspur roped in Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky for an initial fee of £12.5 million plus add-ons from Slavia Prague.

Speaking to The Playbook House, Czechia and Chelsea icon Petr Cech backed Kinsky to shine at his new Premier League club. He opined (h/t Tribal Football):

"I wouldn't worry about he being at a disadvantage because of his younger age. When we look at the Premier League, it's not uncommon to come across players who are maybe 17 years old. When the [players] have something to give to the team, they just play. So, I think with Antonin, it will be all about his performance."

Cech, who represented Arsenal after leaving Chelsea in 2015, added:

"I am very happy that he got the opportunity. Tottenham are a traditional club that regularly fights for the UEFA Champions League. I believe that he will do well and that the club will suit him. The role in the team should suit him because the head coach wants the goalkeepers to play with their feet, which is his great asset."

Before his move to Spurs, Kinsky registered 14 clean sheets and shipped 18 goals in 29 overall appearances for Slavia Prague in the ongoing campaign.