Chelsea: £52m star now 'expected to join' at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea are continuing to ‘work on a fee’ for the transfer of RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, although a deal may be ‘all but done’ at Stamford Bridge, according to journalist Simon Phillips.

Chairman and co-owner Todd Boehly oversaw a summer spend of more than £250 million but the American is not ready to stop splashing the cash just yet.

According to The Athletic, the 24-year-old has put pen-to-paper on a pre-contract agreement at Stamford Bridge.

The report goes on to say that Chelsea are willing to pay more than Nkunku’s £52 million release clause in order to win the race for his signature.

It is understood that the club are now finalising their move for the Leipzig star with the player expected to sign a five-year deal before the World Cup kicks off on November 20.

Nkunku has made a fast start to the 2022-23 campaign in Germany, scoring 10 goals in 15 appearances in all competitions, including against Celtic in the Champions League.

He may not be the only player Chelsea poach from Leipzig at the end of the season, with centre-back Josko Gvardiol also highly coveted by the Blues.

Phillips understands that there has not been much change on the deal in recent days but has heard some people claim the deal is nearly complete.

He adds that the Frenchman is expected to join but that an official announcement may still be some way off.

When asked if there was any more news, Phillips told GIVEMESPORT: “Nothing much, although some sources insist that it is all but done anyway. Chelsea are working on the fee was the last I heard, but he is expected to join Chelsea next summer. We might have to wait a while for any official announcements.”

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