Chelsea linked to surprise move for Nigerian striker Josh Maja as Nkunku replacement

In a surprising turn of events, Chelsea are reportedly eyeing Nigerian striker Josh Maja as a potential replacement for Christopher Nkunku, who is rumoured to be on his way out of Stamford Bridge.

The Blues, under the management of Enzo Maresca, are actively searching for attacking reinforcements to address their struggles in front of goal. According to reports from Fichajes, Maja, who currently plays for West Bromwich Albion in the Championship, has emerged as a shock target for the London club.

Maja has been in impressive form this season, scoring 12 goals and providing two assists, helping West Brom climb to sixth place in the league standings. Despite being somewhat under the radar, his performances have also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur, who are similarly looking to bolster their attacking options.

What makes this potential transfer even more surprising is the relatively modest price tag. The report suggests Maja could be available for around £15 million—a bargain in today’s inflated market for quality strikers.

Chelsea’s interest comes amid growing concerns over their lack of clinical finishing, which Maresca has acknowledged as a key factor derailing their campaign. However, it remains uncertain whether West Brom would entertain selling their star striker mid-season, especially as they push for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

If the deal materialises, it would be a significant step up for the 24-year-old Maja, who has been dubbed “The Major” by fans. It would also highlight Chelsea’s willingness to take a calculated risk on an overlooked talent to solve their attacking woes.

For now, fans will have to wait and see if Chelsea’s surprise interest in the Nigerian forward leads to a January move.