Chelsea target Christopher Nkunku scored his 12th goal of the season as RB Leipzig defeated Bayer Leverkusen 2-0 in the Bundesliga. The 24-year-old impressed for the German side and, once again, showcased his natural goalscoring ability.
Meanwhile, the Blues lost 4-1 to Brighton as Graham Potter's nine-game unbeaten streak came to an end against his former side. And, while Roberto De Zerbi's side uncovered Chelsea's defensive frailties at the Amex Stadium, the west Londoners could have also done with the attacking nouse of Nkunku.
So, it seems that the France international's potential move to Stamford Bridge can't come quickly enough. Nkunku was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in the summer, but a move failed to materialise.
READ MORE: Every confirmed team Chelsea can face in Champions League Round of 16
football.london understand that the Blues hold a long-term interest in Nkunku and were considering whether to make an approach, but they were put off by Leipzig's €100million (£87.6m) valuation. Late into the window, the Frenchman signed a new contract to extend his stay at the Red Bull Arena, which cast doubt as to whether a move would be on the cards.
But, it's understood that a €60million (£52.6m) release clause - which becomes active in the summer - was inserted into his contract, meaning Nkunku could leave for considerably less than first thought. With a transfer race wide open amid reported interest from Liverpool, Chelsea have as much incentive as ever to finally wrap up a deal in January.
Earlier this month, Nkunku's teammate, Andre Silva, spoke to the press. The striker was asked how the Frenchman has handled speculation regarding his future. He replied: "Chris is not a teammate who talks so much.
"I think he puts all the work on the pitch during games or in training, and he is able to do things that come naturally and make it look easy. Chris is doing good, and we hope he continues doing that."
The week prior, both Leipzig boss Marco Rose and teammate Dominik Szoboszlai dismissed reports that claimed that Nkunku is leaving. The former said: "We don't comment on speculation. We don't care about it."
Szoboszlai doubled down. He said: "I have the same answer as the coach. We don't talk much about speculation. He knows that he is one of our players and that he has to do the best for us. We know that he does everything for the team and will continue to do so."
READ NEXT:
Chelsea player ratings as Kai Havertz nets and Sterling struggles and Blues hammered by Brighton
What Brighton fans said to Graham Potter at the Amex Stadium as Chelsea boss 'welcomed' back
'Burned to a crisp' - Chelsea fans agree on brutally honest Marc Cucurella verdict vs Brighton
Graham Potter outlines Chelsea January transfer window expectations following Blues appointments
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
