Chelsea are planning to complete their €60m (£51.9m) deal to sign RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku before the World Cup starts, according to reports in Germany.
It’s believed that the 24-year-old underwent a medical in Frankfurt in the closing stages of the summer window after reaching an initial agreement with Chelsea.
According to Bild, Chelsea are now finalising the transfer with RB Leipzig and the Premier League club expect Nkunku to sign a five-year deal before the World Cup kicks off on November 20.
Nkunku is currently vying for a place in France’s World Cup squad and remains in contention after playing as a substitute in both of their Nations League games during the September international break.
The 24-year-old has been one of RB Leipzig’s standout performers this campaign with seven goals in nine Bundesliga appearances so far, plus another in the Champions League.
Bild also claim that Chelsea have retained their interest in Nkunku’s RB Leipzig teammate Josko Gvardiol.
Chelsea failed with a late attempt to sign the Croatia international in the summer window having offered RB Leipzig a deal worth up to €80m (£69.2m).
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The Premier League club will make another attempt to sign Gvardiol at the end of the this campaign, according to reports.
Bild also claim that Chelsea are interested in signing Jude Bellingham and have held talks with Dortmund, although they will face huge competition from several teams in Europe for the England international.
Benjamin Pavard, whose current contract with Bayern expires in 2024, is also on Chelsea’s shortlist.
