Fabrizio Romano has claimed on his YouTube channel that Todd Boehly met with RB Leipzig directors to discuss potentially signing Christopher Nkunku.
The Blues held a great interest in the Frenchman earlier in the window, although the desired price tag set by the Bundesliga side seemingly put them off making an official offer.
The 24-year-old had a remarkable season both domestically and in Europe, with him contributing more goals and assists combined than appearances throughout the campaign.
Boehly discussed signing Nkunku
This obviously lead to Leipzig wanting to keep him on their books, with the club agreeing a new contract with the player.
With this new deal likely limiting any moves for the time being, Romano has claimed the £52m release clause the German side included in the deal could spark the Blues’s interest as early as next summer.
He said: “Chelsea had another meeting with RB Leipzig directors. In this meeting, Todd Boehly discussed many things. Nkunku – he’s highly rated by Chelsea but he just extended his contract at Leipzig so at the moment it seems really unlikely that he will have a chance to leave this summer. Probably next summer, with a release clause included into his contract.”
The forward has been described by a former coach as ‘world-class’, and his meteoric rise to stardom has seen him regularly pushing for a start for the France national team.
With the Romelu Lukaku situation yet to be sorted, and a direct replacement yet to be signed, the club could benefit from making Nkunku their priority signing after next season ends, with him almost certainly set to attract interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
His versatility to play anywhere along the front line makes him the perfect target for Thomas Tuchel’s style of play, with his ability to be a regular goalscorer desperately lacking among the majority of his current forward options.
