Leipzig boss Marco Rose responds to claims that Nkunku has agreed to join Chelsea. (Photo by RONNY HARTMANN/AFP via Getty Images)
According to Bild (h/t Express), Chelsea are said to have conducted medical checks on RB Leipzig attacker Christopher Nkunku towards the end of August.
The Blues were interested in the Leipzig man this summer and also were considered as frontrunners for his signature. However, after many rumours, the French international ultimately signed a two-year extension with his current side, extending his contract till 2026.
Now, the report in Bild says that the west London club had a medical done on the player at the end of August. The medical check included a cardiological examination and a visit from the orthopaedist.
The examinations took place in Frankfurt in Germany and were done to avoid a potential stir in England which could have alerted fellow rivals. Manchester City and Bayern Munich were also interested in the 24-year-old this summer.
It is understood that the French international has a £53 million release clause in his current contract, which becomes active next summer. Given the recent trends in the transfer market, such a price could be considered a bargain for a player like Nkunku.
He had a stunning last season with the Bundesliga outfit scoring 35 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions. The 24-year-old has continued his form this season scoring six goals in 11 appearances in all competitions. Capable of playing as a winger and striker when necessary, the French attacker would make a fine addition to the west London club.
With the futures of Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech still uncertain, Nkunku could be the perfect player to get in. However, it is believed that Leipzig is not interested in selling the player mid-season.
It remains to be seen if the Blues pay the release clause or negotiate a deal with Leipzig. They could potentially seal a deal for the player in January and loan him back for the remainder of the season. It will be wise for Chelsea fans to not get their hopes high as anything can happen.
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