The transfer window only closed last month, but Chelsea appear to be extremely close to getting a deal over the line for next summer. football.london understands that Christopher Nkunku has signed a pre-contract agreement with the Blues ahead of a proposed transfer next summer.
The RB Leipzig forward has been a long-term target for Chelsea and the 24-year-old looks set to join the west London club before the start of the 2023/24 campaign. Todd Boehly has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that Nkunku will become the first signing of the Graham Potter era.
He was named Bundesliga player of the season last term having directly contributed to 35 goals in 34 appearances. According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, there was some competition for Nkunku from the 'upper reaches' of the Premier League.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly's restlessness showcased as Chelsea agree Christopher Nkunku transfer
Liverpool were one of the English-based clubs to be linked with a move for the Frenchman, but Chelsea appear to have beaten the Reds for his signature. Former Liverpool defender Neil Warnock believes Nkunku will cause 'so many problems' to opposing defences and he can see why the likes of Jurgen Klopp's side and Real Madrid have been monitoring the Chelsea-bound star.
"It fits the model that Chelsea were going after in the summer," Warnock told Sky Sports News. "When you think of [Carney] Chukwuemeka, Anthony Gordon who they chased as well - those young, up-and-coming players who they want to put into the squad for the future of Chelsea Football Club.
"He's a very exciting player. Pace to burn, will cause so many problems to defenders in the league, and he can probably play off either flank and through the middle as well.
"Liverpool were linked with him in the summer, Real Madrid have been linked to him, his former club Paris Saint-Germain have been linked to him. Since he left Paris Saint-Germain to go to Leipzig, his levels have gone through the roof."
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