“Time at the club is now done” – Mikel names Chelsea ace who needs to “move on” this summer | OneFootball

John Obi Mikel has admitted he was really excited about the arrival of Christopher Nkunku, but insists the Frenchman needs to leave this summer.

Chelsea are expected to once again be busy in the window and have already completed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich, with more new faces expected to follow.

The Blues face a critical window and could look to add another striker, but they are also in the market for a centre back and right footed attacker.

John Obi Mikel claims Nkunku needs to leave this summer

Whilst incomings are important outgoings are also vital for the Blues and they need to move on a number of players who are now surplus to requirements.

Nkunku falls into that category and despite high expectations following his £52m move from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 things simply haven’t worked out.

The France international has struggled with injury problems, but when on the pitch he simply hasn’t performed to a high enough level, whilst he doesn’t suit Enzo Maresca’s system.

Nkunku has almost certainly played his final game for Chelsea. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Nkunku attracted interest from Bayern Munich in January and Mikel believes the 27-year-old needs to leave this summer.

“Christopher Nkunku should also be a source of goals, but to be honest I think his time at the club is now done. I genuinely think he needs to move on,” he told Give Me Sport.

“There was a lot of hype about him when he joined from Leipzig. I was so excited when he arrived, but his time at Chelsea hasn’t panned out well.”

Nkunku has almost certainly made his last appearance for the Blues and his record currently stands at 17 goals and five assists in 56 appearances.

Hugo Ekitike a target

Whilst Nkunku will likely leave, the Blues are looking to bring in another forward and have been strongly linked with Hugo Ekitike.

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Ekitike is valued at €100m by Frankfurt, a price which Chelsea aren’t currently prepared to meet for the 22-year-old who scored 22 goals in all competitions last season.

Chelsea are believed to hold an advantage over Liverpool in the race for the France under-21 international, but it remains to be seen if they will make an official offer.