Chelsea have made a major move after agreeing a pre-contract with Christopher Nkunku ahead of next summer, according to reports.
The 21-year-old, who signed a new deal at RB Leipzig back in June until 2026, has been the subject of interest from a whole host of European clubs including Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
Nkunku has a €60 million release clause and was claimed to have undergone a medical at the end of the summer transfer window with Chelsea ahead of a proposed move next summer.
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Nothing had been agreed between the parties, but as David Ornstein of The Athletic reports, Chelsea have now found a breakthrough with Nkunku and RB Leipzig.
The France international has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Chelsea next season, which sees them fend off rivals for his signature.
Chelsea have committed to paying over the €60 million release clause which becomes active next summer to ensure he makes the switch to Stamford Bridge.
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Other Premier League sides were believed to be interested but Chelsea have moved quickly to secure a statement signing for Graham Potter ahead of next summer’s window.
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Potter refused to comment on reported interest in Nkunku, responding prior to their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace: “My answer to that type of stuff is unless it’s a player for us, I don’t really speak about other players, So, no comment.”
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Nkunku will add to Potter’s group, who the 47-year-old has been extremely impressed with since his arrival at the club last month.
After Conor Gallagher’s 89th minute winner against Crystal Palace, Potter added: "We're delighted with the result.
"It's a tough place to come. I thought we started quite well but conceded from the first action into the box. Credit to the boys, they recovered well and did not let their heads go down."
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He continued: "It was nice to get an equaliser and get back in the game. "We had to survive moments as they are a good side with dangerous players.
"To be a goal down and come away with three points is fantastic so credit to the players.
"There's character, that's for sure. They could've felt sorry for themselves after conceding the goal but the players stood up all the way through.
"There was a collective spirit among the players. We are delighted with the three points."
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Topics: Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea, RB Leipzig, Football
Matthew Debono