Christopher Nkunku has a contract with RB Leipzig until 2026 but a 60m euro (£52.4m) release clause from summer 2023; Chelsea thought to be prepared to pay above that figure to clinch 24-year-old France international who has six goals in eight Bundesliga appearances this season
Monday 3 October 2022 15:15, UK
Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal to sign RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku.
The France international, who can also play in midfield, signed a two-year extension on his contract earlier this year taking him to 2026 - but significantly it contained a €60m (£52.4m) release clause which kicks in next summer.
Sky Sports News has been told nothing has been signed and the player himself has yet to make a final decision on his future amid interest from a number of top European clubs.
It is thought Chelsea are prepared to offer more than the release clause in advance of the summer to ensure they get Nkunku ahead of the other interested clubs.
Nkunku, who came through the youth system at Paris Saint-Germain before joining Leipzig in 2019, has scored six goals in eight Bundesliga appearances this season and has made eight appearances for his country
Sky Sports' Adam Smith:
Only six players have scored more goals than Nkunku in Europe's top five leagues since the start of last season: Robert Lewandowski, Erling Haaland, Ciro Immobile, Karim Benzema, Dusan Vlahovic and Kylian Mbappe.
So Nkunku has earned his place among Europe's elite superstars, but the 24-year-old also offers so much more than pure firepower.
The France international ranks fifth in the Bundesliga for dribbles, winning fouls and passes completed in the final third since the start of last season - while only Patrik Schick has registered more fast breaks.
Nkunku's positional versatility will appeal to new Chelsea manager Graham Potter, with the right-footed forward comfortable playing on both flanks and in central midfield.
