EPL: TRANSFER OF CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU TO CHELSEA IS NEARING COMPLETION

Photo Credit: RB Leipzig media page

According to reports, RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku has signed a pre-contract to join Chelsea next summer

Christopher Nkunku is under contract with RB Leipzig until 2026, but has a release clause of 60 million euros (£52.4 million) in the summer of 2023; Chelsea is thought to be willing to pay more than that figure to sign the 24-year-old France international, who has six goals in eight Bundesliga appearances this season.

The France international, who can also play in midfield, signed a two-year contract extension that will take him to 2026 earlier this year, but it included a €60 million (£52.4 million) release clause that will take effect next summer.

Chelsea are thought to be willing to offer more than the release clause ahead of the summer to ensure they get Nkunku ahead of the other interested clubs.

Nkunku, who came through Paris Saint-youth Germain's system before joining Leipzig in 2019, has six goals in eight Bundesliga appearances this season and has made eight appearances for his country.

So Nkunku has earned his place among Europe's elite superstars, but the 24-year-old offers far more than just raw firepower.

Since the start of last season, the France international has ranked fifth in the Bundesliga in terms of dribbles, winning fouls, and passes completed in the final third, with only Patrik Schick registering more fast breaks.

Nkunku's positional versatility will be appealing to new Chelsea manager Graham Potter, as the right-footed forward can play on both flanks and in central midfield.