Soccer Football - Premier League - Chelsea v Southampton - Stamford Bridge, London, Britain - February 25, 2025 Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku celebrates scoring their first goal Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Couldridge EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO USE WITH UNAUTHORIZED AUDIO, VIDEO, DATA, FIXTURE LISTS, CLUB/LEAGUE LOGOS OR 'LIVE' SERVICES. ONLINE IN-MATCH USE LIMITED TO 120 IMAGES, NO VIDEO EMULATION. NO USE IN BETTING, GAMES OR SINGLE CLUB/LEAGUE/PLAYER PUBLICATIONS. PLEASE CONTACT YOUR ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS..
Chelsea have agreed a deal with AC Milan to sell forward Christopher Nkunku. Nkunku’s future has been the subject of much speculation this summer after falling down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca.
The player’s former club RB Leipzig as well as their Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich were also interested in signing Nkunku, but it is now the Italian side that has advanced in negotiation. Sky Sports has reported that the total amount the transfer could reach over £36m after add-ons.
Nkunku is expected to accept a pay cut in order to join the Italian side, and will put pen to paper on a five-year contract at the San Siro. He has been granted permission to travel to Milan for a medical.
Chelsea have also included a sell-on clause as part of the deal, though the exact percentage has not been revealed. The deal brings an end to Nkunku’s two-year stay at Stamford Bridge.
Nkunku scored 18 goals and added five assists in 62 matches for Chelsea, after joining from RB Leipzig for about £52m in 2023.
Nkunku deal could pave way for more incomings
Nkunku’s departure could clear the path for Chelsea’s pursuit of signing two new forwards before deadline day. The Blues are understood to be close to agreeing a fee for Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho.
United are said to value Garnacho at around £50m, and the Argentina international is keen on the move. Chelsea are also interested in RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons and Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, while actively looking to sell striker Nicholas Jackson.
Jackson is the subject of talks between Chelsea and Bayern Munich over an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy. If Chelsea manage to offload both Nkunku and Jackson, they could then sanction a move for some of their main targets.
The sale of Nkunku would also mean Chelsea can boast turning a profit in the transfer market, having raised £309m to offset about £277m in player purchases. This represents a league-high as it stands.
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