David Ornstein has told The Athletic’s Football Podcast that Todd Boehly is working relentlessly in order to bring Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea.
News emerged last week that the Blues had organised a medical in secret for the Frenchman, with the intention of signing him next year.
Then, yesterday, it was reported that the Blues actually have a pre-contract agreement in order to sign Nkunku next year, willing to pay above his release clause in order to secure his services before the inevitable fight for him ensues.
Ornstein has claimed it is the owner who is pushing hard for this deal, with him working really hard despite the window being shut.
He said: “As we understand it he has signed a pre-contract with Chelsea, and that Chelsea have committed to paying in excess to the release clause in his contract. The reason they have done that is because the release clause doesn’t become effective until next summer.
Boehly working hard for Nkunku
“I think there was some competition right now, including some from the Premier League’s upper reaches, but it’s pretty much done and dusted.
“If you thought that the new Chelsea ownership were gonna rest once the transfer window shut, then you’ve got another thing coming, because from everything you hear, they’re working round the clock. As Nkunku shows, they’re trying to get some serious work done.”
Boehly was reportedly a driving force behind Chelsea’s interest in the deal over the summer, however RB Leipzig were able to convince the 24-year-old to stay with them for at least another season.
His importance to the Bundesliga side is obvious, with former manager Jesse Marsch previously describing him as ‘really intelligent.’
His goals and assists over the last 12 months will certainly take some replacing, however it will only be encouragement for Chelsea fans as reports regarding are potential deal continue to grow.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
