FC Barcelona has made strengthening its left winger a priority for next season. Hansi Flick has requested more firepower up front and several targets are being considered. As of today, the preferred option is Marcus Rashford, although there are other names on the table. Some of them are surprising, to the point that Hansi Flick didn't expect to receive them.
Offer from Chelsea
"Sky Germany" has revealed that Barça's priority is Marcus Rashford, whom it only considers through a loan deal. All parties involved have given the green light for this desired move, but for now, nothing is advanced or even close to being finalized.
An option has appeared on the table that no one expected. This is Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea forward, who is eager to wear Barça's jersey. According to the aforementioned source, Nkunku is "another option" for FC Barcelona for this coming summer.
He has a contract with Chelsea until 2029 and isn't part of its coach Enzo Maresca's plans. He is desperate to leave and is a name that Pini Zahavi has offered to Barça. The Israeli is Hansi Flick's agent, as well as the agent of other players in the culer squad, and keeps a great relationship with Joan Laporta.
Christopher Nkunku, 'low cost' option
Christopher Nkunku's name is once again being heard in FC Barcelona's offices. The French forward, currently playing for Chelsea, has been offered to the culer side as part of a possible loan deal. Although he has only been offered, the sporting management values the striker's profile, especially for his versatility and ability to adapt to different attacking schemes.
Nkunku, who is 27 years old, comes off a very complete season in terms of minutes and offensive production. In total, he played 48 matches with Chelsea, scoring 15 goals and providing 5 assists. Although he hasn't been an undisputed key piece, his performance has been remarkable in a team that has experienced a season full of ups and downs.
At Barça, Nkunku could fit into several positions. His natural role is as a second striker or attacking midfielder, but he has also performed solidly starting from the left wing, an area where Hansi Flick is looking for more dribbling and verticality. Nkunku stands out for his aggressive ball-carrying, his vision in tight spaces, and a mobility that fits with the associative soccer proposed by the German.
Barça's economic context forces it to act cautiously. Any addition must go through affordable formulas, and here a loan with favorable conditions is gaining ground. Nkunku, who already showed his potential at RB Leipzig before his arrival in the Premier League, still has a lot of soccer to offer. If the numbers add up, his arrival would be an interesting opportunity to strengthen the attacking line with a different, modern, and adaptable profile.