Chelsea were considering making a move for Christopher Nkunku this summer, but the Blues were somewhat put off by RB Leipzig demanding €100million (£86m) for the France international. football.london reported back in April that Chelsea have a long-term interest in the 2021/22 Bundesliga Player of the Season and were debating whether to make an offer for his services.
Nkunku, though, has now signed a new contract with Leipzig until the summer of 2026. In theory, that means his long-term plans may be at the Red Bull Arena, but that might not be the case whatsoever.
football.london understands there is a €60m (£51.6m) release clause that's been inserted in Nkunku's new contract. This clause, though, only becomes active next summer - meaning the Frenchman could leave Leipzig for considerably less than the price tag they placed on his head this window.
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"I'm pleased to continue wearing the RB Leipzig shirt," Nkunku said to the club's website after signing a contract extension. "After our great achievement in winning the DFB-Pokal, it remained clear that my story here isn't over yet - we want more.
"I was really impressed with the club's efforts to keep me, so a big thanks goes to those responsible for the trust in me and especially to Oliver Mintzlaff, with whom I was always in close contact. RB Leipzig have made a name for themselves on the international stage in recent years and have shown time and again that we can compete for titles."
Nkunku seems dedicated to Leipzig for now, but with his agent pushing for a £51.6m release clause in his contract, it seems that a move is certainly being looked at next summer. Should the Frenchman have another great season, then there is likely to be a queue of clubs interested for what could be a bargain price.
What next for Chelsea?
The Nkunku situation is certainly one Chelsea are likely to re-visit next summer. The Blues are currently trying to add to their attacking options in this window, but with the knowledge that Nkunku is set to be available for half of the price Leipzig were demanding for this summer, it may be too difficult to walk away from.
As far as this window goes, there are a host of names being linked. There's strong interest in the likes of Raheem Sterling, Richarlison and Ousmane Dembele.
football.london has been told that Thomas Tuchel wants to bring in two new attackers and Chelsea's actions could be accelerated by Romelu Lukaku leaving the club. The Belgian has agreed a loan move to Inter Milan, which is expected to be made official at some point next week.
Sterling is someone Chelsea are strongly interested in. It's understood the Blues are looking to pay around £45m for the England international, who has one year remaining on his Manchester City contract. It's a fee Chelsea believe they can agree on with Man City.
Meanwhile, Richarlison is also wanted. The Brazilian spearheaded Everton's survival in the Premier League last term and his performances have attracted attention from elsewhere, with Tottenham also said to be interested.
There's an understanding at Everton that Richarlison could be sold this summer. The Toffees, though, want more than £50m for the 25-year-old attacker, with Chelsea wanting to drive that price down.
The situation with Dembele has gone quiet over the last few days. There are reports in Spain that he could still stay at Barcelona despite his contract expiring in less than 10 days' time.
Chelsea remain interested in Dembele and are waiting for a decision on his future. Paris Saint-Germain could still pose a threat to the Blues, however.
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