Is the Golden Boot returning to the Bundesliga? Bayern plans to first loan and then buy Nkunku, while Chelsea insists on a permanent transfer.

The saying "moving trees can save lives" might be most applicable to Nkunku. The former Bundesliga Golden Boot winner has indeed struggled in the Premier League, and Chelsea has not developed a suitable strategy for him. The Blues are not fond of him, but Bayern is. According to the latest news from Italian transfer expert released on August 18, Bayern and Chelsea re-engaged in discussions regarding Nkunku's transfer last Sunday. Bayern proposed a loan with a buyout option to bring Nkunku in this summer transfer window, with the buyout clause being a triggered mandatory buyout, meaning Nkunku could be converted to a mandatory buyout after achieving certain performance metrics. However, Chelsea insists on a permanent transfer this summer, and negotiations between Bayern and Chelsea are still ongoing, with no agreements reached as of last Sunday night.

It is reported that Nkunku is eager to return to the Bundesliga and join Bayern. He expressed his desire to join Bayern as early as this winter transfer window, and his attitude remains the same. Currently, the complication of this deal lies in the method of transfer; Chelsea wants a permanent transfer, so it depends on whether Bayern can make adjustments or persuade Chelsea. If Nkunku successfully joins Bayern, Chelsea will sign Leipzig's attacking midfielder, Xavi Simons.

Nkunku came through Paris Saint-Germain's youth academy and transferred to Leipzig in the summer of 2019 for €19.5 million. He has played 172 matches across all competitions, scoring 70 goals and providing 56 assists, winning the Bundesliga Golden Boot for the 2022-23 season. Nkunku transferred to Chelsea in the summer of 2023 for €60 million and has since made 62 appearances for the Blues, scoring 18 goals and providing 5 assists, serving as a rotational player for Chelsea.

At 27 years old, Nkunku stands 1.77 meters tall, is a right-footed player, and can play as a forward, attacking midfielder, or left winger. He is valued at €35 million by Transfermarkt, with a current contract until 2029. Last season, he made 42 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea, starting 22 times, totaling 2039 minutes on the pitch, contributing 14 goals and 5 assists; he also played 6 times in the 2025 Club World Cup, starting 3 times, totaling 289 minutes, contributing 1 goal and no assists.

In my opinion, Chelsea has not utilized Nkunku well, but this French attacker still possesses creativity and technical skills. If he successfully joins Bayern, he might just thrive.