Chelsea have reportedly reached a pre-agreement for the signing of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.
According to The Athletic, the Blues have agreed to pay in excess of the £52m release clause which was included in the contract he signed this summer.
The news comes after it was revealed that Chelsea held a medical over the summer for the Frenchman, despite not being able to secure his services.
Todd Boehly was reportedly very interested in striking a deal for the Leipzig man over the summer, with his performances last season warranting a move to a top European club.
The forward averaged more than a goal a season across all competitions, snatching headlines in particular for his fantastic displays in the Champions League against Manchester City and PSG.
He has received high praise from those who have coached him, with former Leipzig coach Achim Beierlorzer even describing him as “world-class.”
Chelsea agreement for Nkunku
Despite not getting the deal done over the summer, Boehly appears to have got his man now, with The Athletic claiming Chelsea have moved early to avoid competition for his signature.
It had been claimed previously that the Blues were likely to face a challenge for the signing, with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich touted to be in for him.
If the signing does come to fruition, Chelsea will be acquiring a fantastic forward who can play in a number of positions across the frontline.
He is currently striking a decent partnership with former Blue Timo Werner at Leipzig, with the German seemingly getting closer to his best after returning to his former club.
Nkunku is currently in the middle of what looks to be another fine season on a personal level, scoring six goals in his first eight Bundesliga games.
With 20 goals and 13 assists to his name in the league last year, it looks like he is ready to make the step up to one of Europe’s elite clubs, with Chelsea seemingly earning the opportunity to give him that chance.