Chelsea transfer target Christopher Nkunku has already admitted links with some of Europe’s leading clubs are “flattering” and revealed it was “no secret” he was attracting interest.
Despite signing a new contract at RB Leipzig only a few months ago, Standard Sport understands that Nkunku is closing in on a move to Chelsea for a fee bigger than his £53million release clause.
The 24-year-old was a target even during Thomas Tuchel’s time in charge and is understood to have had undergone medical tests in Frankfurt over a 2023 move to Stamford Bridge.
Nkunku has scored 53 goals in 147 appearances for the German side after leaving boyhood club Paris Saint-Germain in pursuit of first-team football in 2019, breaking into the France senior international squad in the process.
Talks between Leipzig and Chelsea have been fruitful, with the Premier League side now understood to be confident of signing the forward next summer.
Speaking to Telefoot in June, the Nkunku said: “It’s no secret there are clubs that are interested in me. Yes, it’s flattering. But it’s also flattering to have a club like Leipzig doing everything to keep me.
“Here, we will have to think carefully and make a good decision. The World Cup is coming to life and this is a parameter to be taken into account.
“Like I said, you just have to think it through.”
