Deal Close: Chelsea on the brink of announcing the signing of 24-year-old Bundesliga forward
According to reports, RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku has agreed to a long-term contract with Chelsea through the summer of 2028.
The France international reportedly drew interest from a number of big European clubs after posting an astounding 35 goals and 20 assists for Die Roten Bullen in 52 games during the 2021-22 season.
Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United were rumored to be interested in signing Nkunku, but the 25-year-old signed a new contract with Leipzig until the summer of 2026.
In the 2022-23 season, Nkunku had 17 goals and four assists in 23 appearances, and it was claimed earlier in the fall that he had already undergone a medical with Chelsea in preparation for a move in 2023.
Liverpool, PSG, and Real Madrid are among the teams rumored to be attempting to sabotage a move for the Frenchman, but Chelsea are reportedly confident in their ability to complete a deal.
According to journalist Nicolo Schira, Nkunku’s transfer to Stamford Bridge is a “done deal,” and the former Paris Saint-Germain prodigy will complete his transfer to the Premier League in July.
Schira adds that Nkunku’s contract with Graham Potter’s side will last until the end of the 2027-28 season, and that Leipzig will earn a transfer fee of €70 million (about £58 million).
Nkunku was named to the France squad for the 2022 World Cup, but he suffered a significant knee injury in training prior to the team’s departure for Qatar and was consequently ruled out of the competition.
The attacker is projected to be sidelined for a minimum of four weeks and a maximum of six, although Leipzig has not provided a timeline for his recovery, and his injury is not expected to derail his transfer to West London.
Nkunku played with PSG from 2010 to 2019 before joining Leipzig, where he has registered 64 goals and 51 assists in 159 matches and won the DFB-Pokal with Die Roten Bullen in the previous season.
Not only could Nkunku leave Leipzig for Chelsea in 2023, but the Blues are also reportedly in the lead for Croatian central defender Josko Gvardiol.
The 20-year-old has recently added gasoline to the fire surrounding his future by refusing to rule out a transfer to Stamford Bridge. He has performed admirably for the Chequered Ones at the 2022 World Cup.
Deal Close: Chelsea on the brink of announcing the signing of 24-year-old Bundesliga forward
