Chelsea are confident about signing Christopher Nkunku ahead of their rivals, hoping to wrap up the deal soon.
According to 90 Min, Chelsea inch closer to completing a deal for RB Leipzig sensation Christopher Nkunku. They want to bring the France international next summer and are willing to pay more than his supposed release clause to get a deal done.
Chelsea embarked on an ambitious project during the summer window. Todd Boehly showed the first glimpses of their spending power. There were doubts about whether the Blues would replicate the financial muscle of the Roman Abramovic regime. However, the American owner has kept the notion alive.
Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana and Kalidou Koulibaly all arrived on big deals. Chelsea look ready to embark on another spending spree in January and next summer. Boehly wants to create a competitive squad and is seemingly ready to pay over the odds to get the right player.
The prime example is Wesley Fofana, after Chelsea caved into the pressure from Leicester City to pay more than his market value suggested. The Blues are willing to take up a similar tactic to bring Ballon d’Or nominee Christopher Nkunku.
The France international signed a new deal amid heavy interest from clubs abroad in the summer. Leipzig inserted a €60 million clause in the contract, which will be active next summer. Chelsea are willing to pay more to ensure they are in the driving seat and get more benefits from the deal.
Usually, in release clauses, a club has to pay the amount in full to trigger and sign the player. However, Chelsea are willing to pay over and above the clause, which could permit them to spread the fee over several years. While some might say it’s obscure for Chelsea to fork out more, others will see the wisdom in such a move.
Now, Chelsea remains optimistic about brokering a deal sooner rather than later amid interest from rival sides. Other clubs from the Premier League and Spain keep an eye on the Ballon d’Or nominee.
Some reports suggested Nkunku is waiting on Real Madrid to approach. Alternatively, he could be open to joining Chelsea. If the Blues agree to terms with Leipzig, it would be a huge coup, even if they are paying over and above his supposed release clause.
Nkunku will be in action for France at the World Cup, and if he is to perform boldly in Qatar, many other clubs could find themselves in the mix next summer.
