Ivan Toney deal spells the end for player labelled a ‘standout talent’ by Chelsea chiefs

Chelsea’s move to sign Ivan Toney in the summer transfer window could pave the way for striker Christopher Nkunku to leave the club after just one season in English football. The £52million man signed from RB Leipzig in July 2023, and his arrival was lauded by club bosses.

But he was restricted to just 14 club appearances during his debut campaign, having been hampered by a knee injury that required surgery,

The 26-year-old played the final moments of the club’s 6-2 win over Wolves on Sunday, but that could yet prove to be his last appearance in royal blue after this week’s dramatic transfer developments.

Chelsea have reportedly made contact with Brentford over signing Toney in a cut-price deal. The striker has also been targeted by Saudi Arabian club Al-Ahli, but while the London club will be unable to match the wage offer of the Middle East club, the 28-year-old is said to favour remaining in England to aid his international ambitions.

With Nicolas Jackson having impressed with an early goal in the win at Molineux, and fellow forward Noni Madueke starring with a second half hat trick, Nkunku appears anything but a guaranteed starter under Enzo Maresca. Displacing Cole Palmer, who produced his latest sublime display on Sunday, appears inconceivable.

The signing of Joao Felix and potential arrival of Toney will only push Nkunku further down the pecking order. And given the club’s desire to trim their bloated first-team squad and get a number of players off the wage bill, a sale of the forward may be imminent.

That’s despite being hailed as a major addition last summer by Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors. In a joint statement, they labelled him one of the most promising talents in football.

“Christopher has proved himself one of the standout attacking players in European football over the past two seasons and will add quality, creativity and versatility to our squad,” they said. “He has demonstrated his ability at the highest level with RB Leipzig and France and we look forward to him joining up with his new teammates ahead of the new season.”

Nkunku did score from the penalty spot in the UEFA Conference League win over Servette last Thursday, only his fourth goal since joining the club. He still has five years left on his deal at Stamford Bridge, and the former PSG star would not be short of offers if he is placed on the transfer list.

What may yet save his Chelsea career is the intervention of Manchester United. The Red Devils have also been linked with a move for Toney, although the player reportedly favours staying in the capital.

The development comes after the Blues scaled back their pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. Despite the Nigerian international being exiled by Napoli manager Antonio Conte, the club are seemingly reluctant to meet his seven figure release clause.