Christopher Nkunku: Chelsea is nearing a deal to sign RB Leipzig forward

 

Christopher Nkunku, a 24-year-old France international with six goals in eight Bundesliga appearances this season, has a contract with RB Leipzig until 2026 but a 60 million-euro (£52.4 million) release clause from summer 2023. Chelsea is rumored to be willing to pay above that amount to secure his services.

 

The France international, who can also play in midfield, extended his contract two years earlier this year, stretching it until 2026. However, it was notable that the renewal included a €60 million (£52.4 million) release clause that will become efficient in the summer of 2019.

 

According to Sky Sports News, nothing has been signed, and the player himself is unsure about his mind on his future despite interest from several elite European clubs.

 

It is said that Chelsea is prepared to offer more than the release clause before the summer to secure Nkunku before the other interested teams. 

 

Nkunku, who played for Paris Saint-development Germain’s program before joining Leipzig in 2019, has eight international appearances and six goals this season in eight Bundesliga games.

 

Nkunku provides goals, trickery, speed, and adaptability.

Since the start of the previous campaign, only six players have scored more goals than Nkunku in the top five leagues in Europe: Kylian Mbappe, Karim Benzema, Dusan Vlahovic, Erling Haaland, and Robert Lewandowski.

 

Nkunku has thus established himself as one of Europe’s top athletes, but the 24-year-old also provides so much more than raw firepower.

 

Only Patrik Schick has more fast breaks than the France international, who currently stands fifth in the Bundesliga for dribbles, winning fouls, and passes made in the final third since the start of the previous campaign.

 

Graham Potter, the new manager of Chelsea, will be drawn to Nkunku’s positional versatility because the right-footed attacker is at home on the wing and in central midfield.