Bayern Munich find Jamal Musiala replacement in Chelsea outcast: Report

Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku | X

Jamal Musiala suffered a serious injury just as Bayern Munich needed him most. With Thomas Muller having left the club, the Bundesliga giants were more eager than ever to have Musiala available at his best in the attacking midfield or second-striker position. But alas, he is now unavailable for months and the Bavarians should rope in a fresh recruit to cover for him.

 

The 22-year-old Musiala required surgery after sustaining a broken leg and ankle during the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain. A Bayern statement confirmed that the surgery was successful, adding that "he will begin his first rehabilitation sessions tomorrow, Tuesday, and will be unavailable to the German record champions for the next few months." Musiala had spent much of last season plagued by injuries too, having missed approximately two months with a muscle tear in his left hamstring and only making his comeback at the Club World Cup. Previously, he had also missed around a month in October due to a hip injury, according to reports.

 

This situation has forced Bayern to reignite their interest in a Chelsea player who has been on their radar for some time. It is Frenchman Christopher Nkunku who is likely to be Bayern's "panic buy" to cover for the injured Musiala and the departed Müller. The 27-year-old Nkunku arrived at Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for €60 million. However, the former PSG star struggled with both form and injury woes at Stamford Bridge and never truly settled. From 61 appearances, he managed 18 goals and five assists for the Blues, but has been criticised for a poor work rate, which fans have described as "laziness."

 

Some reports claimed that Bayern wanted him during the winter transfer window but nothing materialised. The two-time German Cup winner could secure a return to the Bundesliga if Bayern are willing to meet Chelsea's €35 million asking price. Although he is contracted until June 2029, the large squad size of the London side could prompt them to offload him as soon as possible. Reports suggest that Chelsea are open to selling as many as ten players this summer. Meanwhile, midfielder Tom Bischof and defender Jonathan Tah have already signed for Bayern Munich among others, as Vincent Kompany's men look to defend the league title and make another push for the European crown.

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