CHELSEA have reportedly agreed a deal for RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku.
The Blues brought attacking reinforcements in during the summer including Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
But new owner Todd Boehly seems keen to add even more players following the change of manager – with Thomas Tuchel replaced by Graham Potter.
And according to The Athletic, Chelsea are now set to seal the transfer of Nkunku after activating his £52.7m release clause – with the player having signed a pre-contract agreement.
The move is expected to see him remain at Leipzig until the end of the 2022/23 campaign.
This is because his release clause does not become active until the summer.
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But Chelsea are spending a bigger fee in advance to secure his services before other clubs can hijack the deal.
Nkunku has contributed 55 goals and 48 assists in 148 games for Leipzig.
He joined the German side in 2019 after coming through the ranks at Paris Saint-Germain.
The attacker has also received eight caps for France following his debut back in March.
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And he looks set to be included in Didier Deschamps’ squad for the upcoming Qatar World Cup.
It is believed that Chelsea beat a number of English clubs to Nkunku’s signature.
Back in June, he was linked with a move to Manchester United as well as a return to PSG.
When quizzed on the interest, he told Telefoot: “It’s no secret. There are clubs interested in me.
“Yes it’s flattering, but it’s also flattering to have a club like Leipzig do everything to keep me as well.
“I’ll have to reflect and make a decision. The World Cup is on the way and that’s another factor to take into account.”
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Meanwhile, Chelsea have had a difficult start to the season, winning just three of their opening six Premier League matches.
But they began to turn things around on Saturday as new head coach Potter clinched a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in his first league game in charge.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
