Chelsea have emerged as clear favourites in the race to sign Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig amid suggestions that the player has already undergone a “secret” medical.
The versatile French forward was a transfer target during a hectic summer window - the first under the new Boehly-Clearlake ownership regime - at Stamford Bridge after scoring 35 goals in just 52 appearances across all competitions last season, though wound up penning a two-year contract extension in the Bundesliga in June.
Such a deal committed Nkunku to Leipzig until 2026, though in reality did little to quell further suggestions that an exit from the Red Bull Arena remained imminent.
Links with Chelsea swiftly resurfaced and it is now understood that the 24-year-old has already undergone part of a medical ahead of a possible switch to west London in 2023.
The Daily Telegraph report that Nkunku had tests in Frankfurt this summer with a Chelsea orthopedist present.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano adds that the Blues have also sent a long-term contract offer to the player, who is believed to have a release clause in his current Leipzig deal worth £52.58million.
However, talks are said to remain ongoing between the two clubs over whether that fee will need to be paid in full, or if a possible transfer can be structured in a different manner.
Chelsea agreed the return of striker Timo Werner to his former club this summer and Standard Sport understands that they have now added Leipzig’s Christopher Vivell to their list of candidates for the vacant technical director role, having missed out on RB Salzburg sporting director Christoph Freund.
