France view Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku as potential Antoine Griezmann replacement

RMC Sport understands that France view Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku (26) as a potential replacement for Antoine Griezmann (33), who recently shocked the football world by announcing his retirement from international football.

Griezmann was a staple in Didier Deschamps’ France side. He ended his France career with 137 caps and set a record earlier in 2024 for making 84 consecutive appearances fir Les Bleus. There are therefore some big shoes to fill. Deschamps will reveal his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium later on Thursday.

Chelsea’s Nkunku is looking increasingly likely to feature with RMC Sport reporting that the former RB Leipzig forward is considered the favourite to inherit Griezmann’s throne. The Paris Saint-Germain academy product has returned from injury this season, and whilst he is not yet a guaranteed starter under Enzo Maresca, he does nonetheless have six goals in nine apearances in all competitions this season.

This form is likely to earn him a France recall, and perhaps even a place in the starting XI, a place vacated by the former mainstay, Griezmann.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle