Chelsea have been handed a major blow in their efforts to sign Christopher Nkunku amid Todd Boehly's mission to grant Thomas Tuchel 'a-list' signings. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from RB Leipzig this summer, and the Blues are thought to have been among several top-flight sides in the race for his signature.
football.london understand that Nkunku has been a long-term target of the west Londoners', with Chelsea said to have scouted the forward last season. The France international featured 51 times for the German outfit this season, directly contributing toward 55 goals.
His impressive displays guided Leipzig to Champions League qualification while spearheading the club's historic DFB Cup triumph. Though, despite growing into one of Europe's most coveted players after an imperious campaign, Nkunku penned a new deal which keeps him at the Red Bull Arena until 2026.
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As part of his contract extension, it was thought that a €65million (around £56m) release clause was included in the deal, which would take effect from 2023, but contrary reports suggest otherwise. According to Kicker, that is not the case.
In an interview with French television broadcaster Telefoot last month, as quoted by GFFN, Nkunku broke his silence on his future amid Chelsea's interest. The highly sought-after forward said: "It's no secret. There are clubs interested in me. Yes, it's flattering, but it's also flattering to have a club like Leipzig do everything to keep me as well. I'll have to reflect well and make a decision. The World Cup is on the way, and that's another factor to take into account."
With Boehly eager to bolster Tuchel's side, The Telegraph report that after player sales are taken into account, Chelsea are set to be granted a £200million war chest. And, the American-led consortium, which completed a £4.25billion deal to buy the west London club, are expected to 'push for A-list signings' to mark a new era at Stamford Bridge, according to the MailOnline.
But, regardless of whether Tuchel can land Nkunku, the Blues boss is keen to undergo a rebuild this summer. Speaking to football.london, the German said: "We are rebuilding, not improving the squad. We are rebuilding. This is always challenging, but we are up for the challenge.
"I don't know where we are from day one. What I can promise is that I will be here – if I can promise that – I will be here with full energy and positive energy no matter what. We will still work for Chelsea, and I refuse to think of negative scenarios. We will be competitive, on which level we will see.
"On how the delay and sanctions will affect us, there is a risk. It will be very challenging to make up for the disadvantage, given the situation of the other two teams: City and Liverpool, who are already improving the squad and set one benchmark after the other in all aspects of the game."
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