Chelsea have been dealt a massive blow just days before the new Premier League season as Christopher Nkunku faces months on the sidelines after undergoing surgery. The French forward, a £53m signing from RB Leipzig this summer, was injured in their pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund and faces a significant period in the physio room, with Mauricio Pochettino now considering replacements.
Chelsea confirmed the 25-year-old will be out for an ‘extended period’ after undergoing surgery to fix the issue with his knee. It represents a blow for the forward, who bagged three goals in pre-season and looked generally impressive
There may be some regret at Stamford Bridge that the club decided not to take up the option to sign Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid on a permanent deal after his decent loan spell. The Portuguese netted five times in his five months in west London, but Pochettino turned down the chance to add him to his squad this summer.
Now there is a certain clamour for the 24-year-old as Chelsea face the prospect of going several months without Nkunku. But instead of turning to a familiar face, the Argentinian boss has four other targets to look at – Express Sport runs the rule over which players could take Nkunku’s place in the team.
Rayan Cherki
The last time Chelsea signed a youngster from Lyon, their new right-back Malo Gusto, it didn’t go too badly. And the chances of the Blues raiding the Ligue 1 club again are only going to increase after Nkunku’s injury.
Cherki is only 19 but has already established himself as a regular at Lyon and, with it, is seen as a huge talent for the future. The French youngster is capable with both feet and can play anywhere behind the striker in attacking midfield.
Cherki is only 19 but has already established himself as a regular at Lyon and, with it, is seen as a huge talent for the future. The French youngster is capable with both feet and can play anywhere behind the striker in attacking midfield.
Gabri Veiga
For the early weeks of the summer transfer window, Chelsea were primed to rival Liverpool for the signature of Celta Vigo playmaker Gabri Veiga, who caught the eye last season with 11 goals in La Liga in a distinctly-average side. The trail went cold, however, and not much has been said about his future since.
The 21-year-old has attracted interest from several top clubs, and with a £34m release clause offers decent value for a player of his potential. The Spain Under-21 international offers the profile of a No 10 that Chelsea would be looking for – an eye for goal with a creative spark in behind the main striker.
Reports in Italy suggest Napoli have submitted a £26m offer for the Spanish youngster, meaning Chelsea will need to act fast if they are to try and hijack the deal.
Paulo Dybala
Chelsea missed their chance to snag Dybala for just £10.6m earlier this summer due to a release clause written into his Roma contract – and that is something Jose Mourinho celebrated after the Argentine was linked with a move to the Premier League.
Now that the Giallorossi can demand whatever fee they like, it could prove to be an expensive deal for Chelsea and Pochettino. Dybala is 29, though, and he may favour the chance to link up with his compatriot, having been chased by him while he was Tottenham boss.
With 17 goals in all competitions last season, Dybala’s quality in unquestionable. Still, considering his salary demands and fee it would take to sign him now after the Blues passed up on the cut-price fee, it would be a surprise to see him leave Rome behind for London.
Michael Olise
Speculation refuses to go away that Olise could be swapping south London for west as the former Chelsea academy graduate may be tempted by the offer to return to his roots.
The 22-year-old enjoyed a fine season for the Eagles last year in the creative sense, registering 11 assists from the wide right. Although not normally considered a No 10, Olise has the technical ability and passing range to float in those central areas akin to how Nkunku operates.
Valued at around £35m by his club, the France Under-21 international would offer a long-term option for the club rather than Dybala and his versatility means he could also play in the wide areas. Manchester City’s interest may complicate matters though, especially after Riyad Mahrez’s transfer to Al-Alhi.
