Chelsea seem to have already sorted their first signing for next summer's transfer window.
Christopher Nkunku has signed a pre-contract agreement with the Blues ahead of a proposed move for next season, football.london has been told. Chelsea have a long-term interest in the 24-year-old and Todd Boehly has acted early to jump in front of the queue for his signature.
Nkunku, who has been at RB Leipzig since signing from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019, is now widely considered as one of the best attacking talents in the Bundesliga. The eight-time France international enjoyed an unbelievable season last time out, where he scored 31 goals and provided 20 assists in 48 games in all competitions.
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The Leipzig forward was tremendous in the Champions League for the German club last season – scoring seven goals in his side's six matches in the European competition. Leipzig were unable to get out of Group A, with PSG and Manchester City both progressing.
However, Nkunku handed Leipzig an outside shot of qualifying, with his exceptional return in the group. In the first match, Leipzig travelled away to Manchester to take on Pep Guardiola's City side and despite a 6-3 win for the Premier League champions, Nkunku stole the show.
Nkunku netted a 31-minute hat-trick at the Etihad Stadium, showing his class on the highest stage. If not already, many clubs around the continent took real notice of the France international.
It was a clear example, if needed, that Nkunku is able to play against one of the best defensive lines in the world and still perform to his absolute best. Just days after his display in Manchester, former Leipzig and now Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch claimed Nkunku had "no weaknesses" in his game.
Marsch said to Leipzig's official website.: "We have spoken to Christopher a lot about playing on the counter, and also what he needs to do to play as a striker, a No.10 and on both wings. Christopher has no weaknesses. He is young and still wants a lot more.
"It's always a good thing when a young player listens to the things we say and also wants to implement them. Working with him is a lot of fun and he is really intelligent and has a lot of potential."
Chelsea will be hoping this is indeed the case should he sign next summer. Graham Potter is looking to make his own mark on his new side and Nkunku could be the man to spearhead that when next season begins.
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