Former Chelsea and Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has told his former club that Christopher Nkunku is better than Mason Mount. The RB Leipzig star was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer but a move failed to materialise.
Despite the France international picking up an injury during training in Qatar, Nkunku looks set to finally join the Blues in January and his arrival could come at the perfect time with Mount facing an uncertain future at the club. The 23-year-old has just 18 months remaining on his deal with the west Londoners and it remains to be seen whether he'll agree an extension amid interest from Liverpool.
But by signing the France international, Graham Potter could be unlocking an upgrade on the Cobham graduate, according to Petit. When asked who was the better player, the former Chelsea and Arsenal star told 90min: "Christopher Nkunku!
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"He was voted player of the year in the Bundesliga. The boy, without making a sound, is crushing everyone."
football.london understand that Chelsea hold a long-term interest in Nkunku and they were considering whether to make an approach in the summer but they were put off by Leipzig's €100million (£87.6million) valuation. In June, the Frenchman signed a two-year extension at the Red Bull Arena, casting doubt as to whether a move would be on the cards.
But, it's understood that a €60million (£52.6million) release clause - which becomes active in the summer - was inserted into his contract, meaning Nkunku could leave for considerably less than first thought. According to The Athletic last month, Todd Boehly 'committed to pay' said fee in advance to avoid an inevitable bidding war.
But, as aforementioned, Nkunku picked up an injury during France training meaning that he will now miss the World Cup - what would have been the perfect chance for Chelsea fans to 'scout' the forward. He suffered a sprained knee after diving into a challenge with Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.
It's said that Nkunku is aiming to be back in action by the end of January and Chelsea will surely be eager to tie down both the Frenchman and Mount to long-term futures at Stamford Bridge.
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