Chelsea transfer target Christopher Nkunku is "waiting to sign" his contract to join the Blues in the coming months, according to reports. The Frenchman has been a highly coveted option for many of Europe's top clubs over the past year, having impressed on the biggest stages.
Despite the 24-year-old signing a new contract in the summer, he is said to have a release clause that clubs can pay from next summer. The forward has scored 12 goals across all competitions for Leipzig, with his raw pace and ball control causing problems beyond defences at the same time as his passing ability allowing him to play deeper if he needs to.
Reports in recent months suggested the France international underwent a "secret medical" in the summer in preparation for a move to Chelsea. When asked about that, head coach Graham Potter gave a firm answer, telling journalists: "My answer to that type of stuff is unless it’s a player for us, I don’t really speak about other players, So, no comment."
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However, rumours surrounding a move for the former PSG academy product won't go away, fitting both the current need for the squad as well as the longer-term vision held by owner Todd Boehly. As interim sporting director, the US investor was instrumental over the summer in a huge rebuild of the squad while seemingly earmarking Nkunku as one for the future.
His masterplan is already underway, with Fabrizio Romano reporting in his CaughtOffside column: "It’s important to mention that Chelsea have everything under control, he’s agreed in principle to join, he’s had a medical with Chelsea, and he’s waiting to sign his contract.
“Everyone who’s joining Chelsea all agree that Nkunku will be an excellent signing for the Blues. Just a reminder – Chelsea don’t plan to meet Nkunku’s €60m release clause, they plan to reach a different agreement.”
That different agreement could see the Blues land him before other teams get the chance to make their move, keeping them one step ahead in the transfer market thanks to some clever work by Boehly.
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