Chelsea set to 'blow competition out of water' for £53m star at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea are so desperate to lure Christopher Nkunku to Stamford Bridge that they are prepared to ‘blow the competition out of the water’ by offering RB Leipzig a higher fee than the release clause written into his contract, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

Graham Potter was appointed as the Blues’ head coach last month and it appears he is already making plans ahead of next season.

According to The Athletic, Nkunku is set to make the move to Chelsea next summer after penning a pre-contract agreement with the west Londoners.

The report suggests the Blues have committed to paying Leipzig in excess of the release clause within the eight-cap France international’s contract, which is worth just shy of £53million.

It comes after it emerged that Nkunku travelled to the German city of Frankfurt to undergo a medical ahead of a potential move to Stamford Bridge last month.

Potter and Blues co-owner Todd Boehly are reportedly looking to steal a march on their rivals and the attacker is keen to seal the switch.

Journalist Simon Phillips has previously told GIVEMESPORT that a move for Nkunku was not possible during the summer transfer window due to the 24-year-old having no interest in working under Thomas Tuchel for the second time in his career.

Sheth understands that Chelsea are willing to surpass the release clause written into Nkunku’s contract because they want to ensure that a deal is done ahead of next summer.

The Sky Sports reporter believes the capital club are attempting to hold discussions with the Frenchman’s agents.

He also feels Chelsea have set their sights on reaching a speedy conclusion to negotiations with the Bundesliga outfit.

Sheth told GIVEMESPORT: “I think what Chelsea are trying to do is speak