Chelsea closing in on £60million deal for Christopher Nkunku after negotiations progressing well
Chelsea are closing in on a £60million deal for RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku after negotiations with the Bundesliga side moving very faster according to latest reports.
Despite bringing in Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Chelsea still keen on reinforcing their attacking lines and January offer a great period to do so.
They have since last season set their eyes on RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku to bolster their front line and Todd Boehly’s administration hasn’t departed from such remarkable transfer ambition since the American stepped into office at the beginning of the season.
At the start of the term, Chelsea made a move for Christopher Nkunku and reportedly achieved pre-contract agreement with the French International to join at the end of the current campaign after Nkunku reportedly passing Chelsea medicals claimed by the Athletic.
However, the Frenchman downplayed his chances of leaving RB Leipzig in summer of 2023, that threatened his links not only with Chelsea but with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United as well after signing new 2-year contract extension back in June that will see him remain at the Red Bull Arena until 2026.
“For me, it was a given to extend my contract here.” he said. “I feel right at home in this city and at this club. I still don’t see my work here as finished. So I’m not thinking about leaving the club next year either.
“We did really well as a team last season, but there’s still more to come. I want to continue the success with RB Leipzig.”
Nkunku sent the definitive message to Leipzig supporters when appearing in front of the media during club’s pre-season training camp in Austria. Nkunku’s recent contract extension could be contradictory to his stay at Leipzig with the new development that will allow the Bundesliga side earn a big money when he finally leaves beyond the summer than somehow for free when his release clause becomes active at the end of the season.
Romano’s revelation of negotiations progression well this week put Chelsea back in contention for Nkunku’s signature, and Nkunku’s contract extension could mean a set-on-a-move-to-Stamford Bridge agenda.
Chelsea have been on the negotiation table with RB Leipzig to seal agreement between the two teams. And with discussion for Nkunku’s transfer progressing faster as revealed by the transfer expert, a deal for the 25-year old would likely be struck ahead of the January transfer period instead of summer.
In this way, Chelsea secure Nkunku ahead of time, while also avoiding a more intense battle for the France international’s services.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that negotiation between Chelsea and Leipzig for Nkunku is moving smoothly suggesting a deal could be completed soon even before the transfer window reopens.
“Chelsea have a very good relationship with Leipzig, so they negotiated over a potential fee because Chelsea are not triggering the clause, Romano told GiveMeSport.
“They are discussing a fee with Leipzig worth around £60million, with different kinds of payment terms. Negotiations are progressing very well and the deal is almost ready.”
Chelsea are willing to pay more £2million than the France international’s £58million release clause, which becomes active next summer. The negotiation approach despite its expensive fee offers Chelsea the flexibility to spread the proposed transfer amount over some years instead of paying in an episode.
Nkunku has been sensational for RB Leipzig this season netting 12 times in 15 Bundesliga outings making him one that Didier Deschamps found difficult to overlook when naming France’s 26-man squad for Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup.
After receiving France’s call-up to the World Cup, the Chelsea transfer target has been ruled out of the Qatar event having pulled injury in one of Les Bleus’ training sessions ahead of Group D opener against Australia tomorrow evening.
Nkunku netted 35 goals and provided 20 assists in 52 appearances for RB Leipzig in 2021-22 season.
Nkunku is expected to get fit in time ahead of return of domestic football after the World Cup in mid December and hopefully a deal to one of the World brightest football camps Chelsea materializes.
