Mueez Ajao
– Chelsea will continue their attempts to finalise a move for Christopher Nkunku after stealing a march on their rivals in the race to sign the RB Leipzig forward.
– Chelsea’s groundwork on a deal to land Nkunku next summer is already well underway including the French forward undergoing medical checks in Germany with a Blues orthopedist present.
Christopher Nkunku had a medical with Chelsea, confirmed as called by @BILD. 🚨🔵 #CFC
Chelsea sent long term contract bid to Nkunku to prepare the deal for 2023.
It’s not done yet, as Chelsea & RB Leipzig will speak about fee: €60m release clause, or different deal structure. pic.twitter.com/645YGNjsCc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 30, 2022
– Versatile forward Nkunku, 24, enjoyed a breakout campaign last season, scoring 35 goals and setting up 20 more in 52 appearances in all competitions during a sensational term for RB Leipzig on his way to being named Bundesliga player of the year.
Also Read: Nkunku signs new contract with RB Leipzig until 2026
– That form saw Nkunku force his way into the senior France squad for the first time and made him a target for a number of Europe’s biggest clubs, with Real Madrid joining the Premier League’s elite in admiring Nkunku.
– Rather than moving during the summer, Nkunku instead signed a new two-year Leipzig extension that runs until 2026. However, crucially, his new agreement is thought to contain a release clause of just under £53m.
– And, with their behind-the-scenes work on the deal, Chelsea hope they are well-positioned in the chase for Nkunku, who has continued his form from last season, scoring six goals and setting up another in 11 games so far this season.
– A move would require that non-negotiable release clause payment of £52.8m to be triggered, and with the player under contract until 2026, there is no rush for Leipzig to sell a player who’s stock will surely only increase.
– But Chelsea are in urgent need of a striker, with Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku returning to Leipzig and Inter, respectively, and Kai Havertz struggling as a lone forward.
– And the price tag on his head will surely not deter the Blues new American owner, who has already broken the Premier League record for spending in one window.
– Boehly brought in Marc Cucurella, Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Raheem Sterling for a total of around £270m.
– And the American looks to be in concrete talks with Leipzig, who have a history of selling players a season before they leave the club, with Naby Keita joining Liverpool in 2018 – a year after buying him from the German outfit.
– Chelsea would seem the logical move to make, too. A switch to German titans Bayern Munich would not be unprecedented, but their current struggles make the Premier League a more attractive destination, especially with both Chelsea and Manchester United in the hunt for a No 9.
– But the Blues will have to move fast if they are to jump the queue a season early, although having staged a medical for the player it would come as no surprise if a bid should follow in the not-too-distant future.
