INF Clairefontaine, Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines, France - November 15, 2022. France's Christopher Nkunku during training.
Chelsea are ‘closing in’ on a deal to sign RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku next summer, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Agreement in place
The Frenchman still has four years remaining on his contract at the Red Bull Arena, but having been a standout performer under Marco Rose this season, Graham Potter’s side have been heavily linked with an interest in bringing the Frenchman to the Premier League.
CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs recently revealed that the two parties have an agreement in place for the 25-year-old to move to Stamford Bridge in 2023, which has now been backed up by further reports.
The Latest: Chelsea waiting on Nkunku
Taking to Twitter, Romano confirmed that Chelsea have completed all of the background details involved in the deal and are simply waiting for Nkunku to sign on the dotted line.
He wrote: “Chelsea are closing in on Christopher Nkunku deal. Medical did as reported in September, agreement in place with Leipzig for more than €60m clause/easier payment terms.
“Long term deal agreed starting from June 2023. Time to sign contracts then… here we go.”
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The Verdict: Aubameyang upgrade?
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang isn’t getting any younger at 33, and after not making the start to life at Stamford Bridge that the Gabon striker would have hoped for, Nkunku could be a great long-term successor.
The Bundesliga striker has clocked up a remarkable 14 goal contributions in 15 league matches this season and has the versatility to operate in five different positions (Transfermarkt).
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This contrasts with Aubameyang’s return of four goal contributions in 12 appearances for Chelsea, a disappointing rate considering how freely he scored at Borussia Dortmund and Arsenal (Transfermarkt).
Potter will surely find Nkunku’s scoring touch an enticing attribute, and with the 25-year-old having been labelled a ‘monster’ by Jacek Kulig, he will be a hugely exciting arrival next summer, assuming there are no late hitches with the proposed move.
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