Reports: Chelsea strike pre-contract agreement with 24-year-old attacker

RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku has signed a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea, according to David Ornstein of the Athletic.

The Blues have agreed to pay a fee in excess of the France international’s €60 million release clause, which will be activated at the end of the season. They have reportedly taken this approach to avoid a potential battle with other clubs for Nkunku’s signature next season.

It is believed that part of Nkunku’s medical at Chelsea has already been completed ahead of his move to west London in the summer of 2023. One of Nkunku’s biggest assets is his versatility.

The former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder can play anywhere in midfield and attack and is a vital part of manager Marco Rose’s first-team plans. Nkunku has eight goals and one assist in 12 games across competitions this season.

The 24-year-old is approaching the prime years of his career and could be the long-term solution that Chelsea have been looking for up front. Ex-Blues manager Thomas Tuchel oversaw the arrivals of Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku at Stamford Bridge in consecutive summers.

Both signings failed to live up to expectations, with the German striker re-joining Leipzig on a permanent basis while Romelu Lukaku returned to Inter Milan on a season-long loan deal.