Christopher Nkunku has signed a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea and will move to the club next summer in a big-money deal, according to reports.
The Frenchman was chased by a number of clubs during the most recent transfer window but RB Leipzig convinced him to extend his contract – though it included a release clause which would become active in the summer of 2023.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have even agreed to pay far in excess of that figure now in order to beat off competition from some Europe’s biggest clubs and already have a full agreement in place with the player.
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Reports emerged on Friday that Nkunku had undergone a secret medical with Chelsea in Germany as they looked to finalise a deal now.
The 24-year-old was one of the standout stars in the Bundesliga last campaign, netting 20 goals and providing 13 assists, while he has already notched six times in the 2022/23 campaign.
He has been linked with clubs like Bayern, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and even Manchester United – with former manager Ralf Rangnick having championed Nkunku to the Red Devils’ hierarchy.
But The Athletic claim the race to sign the player is already over, with Nkunku having signed a pre-contract agreement which will see him move to west London at the end of this season.
As part of the arrangement, Chelsea have committed to paying Leipzig a price in excess of the £52.7m release clause that becomes active next summer.
The Blues have decided to pay a higher fee now to avoid the intense battle’ for Nkunku’s services in the summer, when there likely would have been a bidding war to offer the midfielder the best possible salary and signing-on fee.
The west London side have ‘overcome competition’ to land Nkunku and believe he will be a key part of their rebuild under Graham Potter.
Co-owner Todd Boehly – who acted as interim sporting director during the summer – will have played a major role in securing Nkunku’s signature, with the Blues still yet to hire a replacement for Marina Granovskaia.
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Chelsea are also expected to try and raid Leipzig a second time with a move for Josko Gvardiol, who they pursued throughout the summer – and who also signed a new deal which included a release clause.
