Christopher Nkunku reportedly wants to leave RB Leipzig amid interest from Chelsea. The 24-year-old versatile attacker has told the German club of his intention to leave this summer, according to L’Équipe, although Leipzig want to keep him regardless.
According to the report, Nkunku's decision is based on his desire to play with and against the European game’s best players on a weekly basis. The news comes after football.london reported last month that Chelsea have watched Nkunku for the past couple of seasons and, again more recently.
The Frenchman has scored an astonishing 31 goals and registered 20 assists (51 direct goal contributions) in 48 appearances in all competitions for Leipzig this term. With numbers like that, there is little shock that he has swiftly become one of European football's most sought-after talents.
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football.london understands Chelsea have watched Nkunku's progress over the past couple of seasons and again recently and there is a long-term interest there. Still, no decision will be taken on a transfer for the French star until after the club's takeover is completed.
His form is so strong, though, that any prospective new owners of the club would surely be interested in purchasing the Leipzig man, who can play all across the front line. Nkunku currently has just over two years remaining on his contract at the Red Bull Arena.
Leipzig president Oliver Mintzlaff recently insisted that Nkunku would remain at the club next season but then went on to say that nobody is "unsellable" in football. Speaking to Sky Sport, as per Get French Football News, Mintzlaff said: "I've said it many times, and I'm happy to say it again: Nkunku will still be our player in the coming season."
He added: "In football, nobody is unsellable. He was already one of our best players in the first half of the season, even though it didn't go well for us, as we all know. He has ignited the next stage of his development here under Domenico Tedesco, and he will continue to do so in the coming season."
At the moment, Thomas Tuchel has plenty of options to pick from for his Chelsea front three. Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Romelu Lukaku, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Mason Mount, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic.
Lukaku, though, continues to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge less than 12 months after returning to the club. Ziyech was linked with an exit last summer, and rumours over his future could resurface at the end of the season.
