Chelsea Handed Attacking Transfer Blow After Summer Target Signs New Contract

Chelsea have been dealt an attacking transfer blow as Christopher Nkunku has signed a new deal at RB Leipzig.

Amid the Blues’ desire to refresh their attacking options ahead of next season, the 24-year-old emerged as a potential target for Thomas Tuchel’s side this summer.

The French international had a stellar season at Leipzig, amassing 35 goals and 20 assists in 52 games across all competitions.

Chelsea are said to be one of the clubs who have been showing interest in him this summer, as well as fellow Premier League side Manchester United.

However their chances of securing the attacker for next season could now be slimmer after the latest developments in his future.

As revealed by Leipzig on Thursday morning, Nkunku has agreed to sign a new two-year contract extension at the club, meaning his deal now runs until 2026.

Blues boss Tuchel has already worked with the Frenchman when the duo were both at Paris Saint-Germain, although he left the club and joined Leipzig under the German boss.

He recently revealed that he is aware of the interest being shown in him this summer when he said: “It’s no secret there are clubs that are interested in me. Yes, it’s flattering. But it’s also flattering to have a club like Leipzig doing everything to keep me.

“Here, we will have to think carefully and make a good decision. The World Cup is coming to life and this is a parameter to be taken into account.

“Like I said, you just have to think it through.”

Fabrizio Romano is also reporting that there is a €60 million release clause included in his new contract, although it is not yet known when that can be activated.

This means that a transfer to Stamford Bridge this summer may not be a reality come the end of the window and Chelsea could now switch their attention to other targets.

Manchester City winger Raheem Sterling has been heavily linked with a move to west London in the window, having just won his fourth Premier League title.

He has one year left on his deal at the Etihad Stadium, and he is hoping to resolve his future within the next couple of weeks.

Richarlison has also emerged as a potential target for Chelsea, with Everton believed to be set to sell either the Brazilian or Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer, and it is said that the Blues would trump the interest shown in the forward by their London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.