Christopher Nkunku, a forward for RB Leipzig, will be acquired by Chelsea next summer for more than £53 million, according to a pre-contract agreement.
The 24-year-old, who has eight goals and one assist in 12 games this season, has already undergone medical exams with the Blues. Following a number of meetings between the two clubs, the Blues are growing more confident that they will sign the France international.
Chelsea moved swiftly outside of the transfer window by agreeing to pay more than his £53 million release clause, which becomes active in the summer 2023 transfer window, in order to ensure they would prevail in the race for Nkuku’s signature.
Nkunku is eager to relocate to west London, and Graham Potter’s team is now decisively leading the competition for his services over clubs like Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
Chelsea will continue to spend during the upcoming January transfer window and in the coming summer, with a midfielder being their top priority.
Chelsea may also look for a goalkeeper now that Edouard Mendy’s contract negotiations have stalled and Kepa Arrizabalaga’s future is still up in the air.