While Chelsea look to be closing in on a deal to sign RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that it is not too late for other clubs to hijack the deal with interest thought to be high.
Romano reveals that both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid could be teams to keep an eye on and Manchester United were once interested in the France international, however, Chelsea remain in the lead for the player’s signature.
European Giants Could Hijack Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku Deal
Christopher Nkunku deal. Chelsea will try to negotiate on the fee with Leipzig, it's the priority – triggering €60m release clause is alternative option. 🔵 #CFC
Nkunku has already received Chelsea contract bid, he'd be ready to accept as reported days ago – up to the clubs. pic.twitter.com/es3ykH2G68
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 2, 2022
The Final Stretch
The Blues have reportedly agreed a pre-contract with Nkunku with the aim of the forward joining them before the start of the 2023/24 season. The 24-year-old has also undergone a “secret” medical in Germany ahead of his move to Stamford Bridge.
The deal is not yet completed, however, as a free has yet to be agreed between the two clubs with Leipzig manager Marco Rose even labelling the reports as “speculation“. Nkunku has a release clause within his current contract that comes into effect in the summer of 2023 and is reported to be £52 million. The West London club are willing to pay above this value, however, in order to seal a deal now before other clubs enter the race.
What Nkunku Offers
Nkunku has drawn the attention of many of Europe’s top clubs and after last season it’s easy to see why. With 20 goals and 13 assists in 34 Bundesliga appearances in the 2021/22 campaign, the Frenchman was awarded the Bundesliga Player of the Season.
The Leipzig man is impressive in progressing the ball up the pitch too, as he ranks in the 92nd percentile for Progressive passes and the 89th percentile for progressive carries among fellow forwards in the past year. Nkunku also ranks in the 96th percentile in shot-creating actions among forwards with just shy of four per 90.
Former RB Leipzig and current Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch claimed Nkunku has “no weaknesses” and, while that may be classic football hyperbole, it may not be too far from the truth for the versatile attacker. Therefore, whichever team manages to land the Nkunku will be getting a player that will cause headaches for opposing defenders.
BREAKING: Christopher Nkunku has already held his medical to join Chelsea next summer!
HUGE SIGNING 😮 pic.twitter.com/cWJOAEZyHz
— SPORTbible (@sportbible) September 30, 2022
