Chelsea have convinced RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku to sign a pre-contract agreement with them that will allow him to join the club in the 2023 summer transfer window, confirms The Athletic’s David Ornstein. The London side are working hard to complete the blockbuster signing for the next summer before the turn of this year.
Christopher Nkunku Signs Pre-Contract With Chelsea for 2023 Move
🚨 Callum Wilson has signed new contract at Newcastle. 2yr deal + option to extend further based on various factors. Fresh terms move him in line with highest #NUFC earners. Club also want 30yo to help younger forwards develop in years ahead @TheAthleticUK https://t.co/YJYNesR3QX
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) October 3, 2022
Chelsea ‘Committed’ to Paying in Excess of Nkunku’s Release Clause
The Blues are really desperate to get this deal over the line soon, even though the French forward will be available for a price of around £52.7 million after this season is over, mostly due to a release clause becoming activated in his contract.
However, Chelsea want to get this deal wrapped up at the earliest opportunity and Todd Boehly has given his commitment to Leipzig that they are ready to pay a fee in excess of that release clause to secure his signing quickly and avoid an intense transfer battle for the 24-year-old next year.
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Ornstein also adds that the London giants have even overcome competition from some major clubs for Nkunku, including that from Premier League sides as well. They want to make the France international a fundamental part of the rebuild process under the new ownership, which is why he has also agreed a pre-contract deal with them.
Christopher Nkunku deal. Chelsea will try to negotiate on the fee with Leipzig, it's the priority – triggering €60m release clause is alternative option. 🔵 #CFC
Nkunku has already received Chelsea contract bid, he'd be ready to accept as reported days ago – up to the clubs. pic.twitter.com/es3ykH2G68
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 2, 2022
Chelsea’s Rapid Progress With Nkunku Deal Detailed
Graham Potter’s side have done an admirable job in quickly securing the services of the 24-year-old and made strides on the deal since the summer transfer window shut. They had him undergo a medical for them last month, all in secret as well. After that, they’ve also worked quickly to have him sign a pre-contract – which basically stops him from coming to an agreement with any other club for a move next summer.
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Nkunku was one of the most prolific players in Europe next season and also won the Bundesliga Player of the Year award – over Robert Lewandowski. The 24-year-old scored 35 goals and provided 20 assists across all competitions last season and already has 8 goals in 12 outings in the current campaign. He’s earned eight caps for France so far and is expected to be a key part of their FIFA World Cup squad in November.
