Christopher Nkunku enters into a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea for 2023 transfer

Christopher Nkunku has already signed a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea and will move to Stamford Bridge next summer in a big-money deal, according to reports.

The Frenchman was chased by a host of clubs during the most recent transfer window but RB Leipzig managed to convince him to extend his contract – though it included a release clause which would become active in the summer of 2023.

According to The Athletic, Chelsea have agreed to pay far in excess of that figure now in order to beat off competition from some of Europe’s biggest clubs and already have a full agreement in place with the player.

Reports emerged on Friday that Nkunku had already undergone a secret medical with the Blues in Germany as they looked to finalize a deal now.

The 24-year-old was one of the standout stars in the Bundesliga last season, netting 20 goals and laying on 13 assists, while he has already notched six times in the 2022/23 campaign.

He has been linked with the likes of Bayern Munich, old club Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and even Manchester United – with former manager Ralf Rangnick having personally championed Nkunku to the Red Devils’ hierarchy.

But The Athletic claim the race to sign the France international is already over, with Nkunku having put pen to paper on a pre-contract agreement which will see him move to west London at the end of this season.

As part of the arrangement, Chelsea have committed to paying Leipzig a price in excess of the £52.7million release clause that becomes active next summer.

Chelsea have decided to pay a higher fee now to avoid an ‘intense battle’ for Nkunku’s services in the summer, when there likely would have been a bidding war to offer the attacking midfielder the best possible salary and signing-on fee.

The west Londoners have ‘overcome competition’ to land Nkunku and believe he will be an integral part of their rebuild under Graham Potter.

Co-owner Todd Boehly – who acted as interim sporting director during the summer – will have played a key role in securing Nkunku’s signature, with the Blues still yet to hire a permanent replacement for Marina Granovskaia.

Chelsea are also expected to try and raid Leipzig a second time with a move for centre-back Josko Gvardiol, who they pursued throughout the summer – and who also signed a new contract which included a release clause.

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