Christopher Nkunku has extended his contract with RB Leipzig to play with the German side until 2026.
However, Fabrizio Romano has revealed the release clause included in the deal, following interest from multiple sides this summer, including Chelsea.
An electric season for the Frenchman saw him on the radar of Europe’s best clubs, performing in the Bundesliga and on the continental stage.
The 24-year-old contributed more goals and assists than appearances in the league, while putting the world on note with a seven-goal group stage in the Champions League against the like of Manchester City and PSG.
The breakout as one of Europe’s most promising stars saw him gain praise from all corners of the game, with former assistant manager Achim Beierlorzer describing him as “world-class”.
Leipzig have extended the deal as Nkunku was just one year away from certainly leaving for free, with interest from England, France and Spain surely prepared to discuss personal terms.
Now though, any move for the attacker will see clubs having to trigger his release clause, which Romano reports is around £52m.
However, the Blues may be encouraged by developments, with Sport Bild suggesting a deal this summer would cost them in excess of £90m.
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Whichever top team ends up securing the services of Nkunku, they will be acquiring a fantastic attacking prospect who has added a killer instinct for goal to his game since his move from PSG in 2019.
Chelsea were already unlikely to do business this summer, and the new contract situation makes the scenario very clear.
The likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid and Manchester City are almost certain to be prepared to pay the reported release clause, so the Blues will have to fully commit to the deal if they are out to get the French international in the future.