Bayern Munich Weigh Chelsea Duo as Coman Exit Sparks Attacking Overhaul

The transfer market rarely sleeps in Bavaria, but this summer’s activity at Bayern Munich feels like a full-scale rebuild rather than a simple reshuffle. Kingsley Coman’s impending move to Al-Nassr has created a ripple effect that is forcing the German champions to rethink their forward options. And according to reports from Sky, Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson have now emerged as serious contenders to bolster the squad.

It’s not a like-for-like swap in the making. Bayern sporting director Max Eberl is reportedly not looking for a carbon copy of Coman’s skillset, but rather a flexible forward who can slot into different attacking roles. In Nkunku and Jackson, he sees two very different profiles — one a silky French creator with Bundesliga pedigree, the other a pacey, direct striker still honing his craft.

Bayern Munich’s Changing Attack After Coman’s Departure

Coman’s sale is just one part of a broader shake-up in Munich’s attack. Thomas Müller’s emotional decision to swap the Allianz Arena for a new adventure with MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps has left a leadership gap as well as a tactical one. Add to that Jamal Musiala’s untimely injury during the Club World Cup, and Bayern suddenly find themselves without several of their most reliable attacking outlets.

The club has already acted by bringing in former Liverpool winger Luis Díaz, whose direct running and high work rate seem tailor-made for Bayern’s front line. But Eberl and head coach Vincent Kompany know that one signing isn’t enough if they’re to challenge on all fronts in the 2025-26 season.

Why Nkunku and Jackson Fit Bayern Transfer Vision

kingsley-coman Bayern

Nkunku’s name will be familiar to anyone who followed the Bundesliga in recent years. Before his move to Chelsea in 2023, the French international was one of RB Leipzig’s most dangerous players, combining sharp dribbling with an eye for goal. Injuries have limited his impact at Stamford Bridge, but his quality is undoubted.

Interestingly, Nkunku’s agent, Pini Zahavi, also represents Leroy Sané — a connection that could smooth negotiations. Bayern have dealt with Zahavi before, and his close ties to the club hierarchy may give them an edge if Chelsea decide to cash in. Nkunku, for his part, would reportedly prefer a Champions League club should he leave London, which immediately puts Bayern ahead of other suitors.

Jackson, meanwhile, offers something different. Still just 23, the Senegalese forward is raw but exciting — quick off the mark, confident in one-on-one situations, and not afraid to take on defenders. While his first season at Chelsea was inconsistent, his physical profile and potential for growth have caught Bayern’s attention.

There’s also a twist: Jackson has been linked with Newcastle United, where he could replace Alexander Isak if the Swede leaves. But Bayern’s stature and the prospect of working alongside Harry Kane might be enough to tempt him to the Bundesliga instead.

Other Targets in the Mix — and the Ones Slipping Away

Harry Kane FC Bayern 2025

Nkunku and Jackson aren’t Bayern’s only options. The club has been linked with several young talents, including Lyon’s Malick Fofana, Stuttgart’s Nick Woltemade, and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.

Simons, in particular, has been one of Europe’s hottest young properties. His vision, agility, and versatility make him a natural fit for Bayern’s possession-heavy style. But there’s a catch: Chelsea are also chasing him, setting up a potential transfer tug-of-war between the two clubs.

As for Woltemade, that ship might have sailed. Negotiations have been at a standstill for weeks, and Stuttgart have made it clear that if the forward is still in their squad by the time the DFL-Supercup against Bayern kicks off on Saturday, he won’t be sold at all this year. Eberl has publicly admitted the deal is “off the table.”

Fofana, meanwhile, remains on the radar but is thought to be more of a long-term project rather than an immediate fix for Bayern’s depth issues.

Balancing Depth and Star Power

One of Bayern’s big challenges this summer is striking the right balance between star power and squad depth. Harry Kane’s arrival last year transformed the team’s attack, but over-reliance on one striker can be risky — especially in a season that will be packed with domestic, European, and international commitments.

Nkunku, if he can stay fit, offers creative link-up play between midfield and attack, taking some of the burden off Kane. Jackson, on the other hand, could provide fresh legs, pace in behind, and a pressing option when Bayern need to stretch opponents.

And then there’s the intangible factor — chemistry. Bayern’s attack has long thrived on understanding and cohesion, something that doesn’t always come instantly with new signings. Whoever comes in will need to adapt quickly, especially with the Bundesliga season already underway.

Transfer Window Tension

With the 2025-26 campaign now rolling, the transfer window is entering its most frantic phase. Bayern have the resources and reputation to move fast when needed, but competition for top talent is fierce. Chelsea’s willingness to sell — and at what price — will be a key factor in whether either Nkunku or Jackson ends up in Munich.

Bayern’s recruitment strategy under Eberl appears pragmatic rather than impulsive. They’re not chasing like-for-like replacements for outgoing stars but instead identifying players who can add different dimensions to the squad. That approach might frustrate fans who want blockbuster arrivals, but it’s one that could pay off over the long term.

For now, all eyes in Munich are on the clock. Coman’s departure is all but confirmed, Müller is gone, Musiala is sidelined, and the fixture list waits for no one. The question is whether Bayern can get a deal over the line in time to keep their attack firing — and whether that deal will involve raiding Chelsea for one of their most intriguing forwards.