chelsea (opens in a new tab) reportedly tried to take control of the race to sign Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig (opens in a new tab) – by arranging a private medical visit for the attacker.
The Blues are said to be among a number of clubs interested in Nkunku – who has also been linked with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
And according to the German newspaper Image (Going through ESPN) (opens in a new tab)24 year old France (opens in a new tab) international underwent tests in Frankfurt earlier this month. The report adds that Chelsea have sent an orthopedist from the club to assist with the examinations.
Nkunku featured in Leipzig’s 34 Bundesliga games last season, scoring 20 goals – and equalized in the DFB-Pokal (German Cup) final as the Red Bulls won the competition for the first time.
He has netted six times in all competitions so far this season (although he is currently in a six-game drought).
With Romelu Lukaku joining Inter Milan (opens in a new tab) on loan after his disastrous return to Stamford Bridge, Chelsea added Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to their attacking ranks this summer – while Armando Broja was also involved after his loan spell at Southampton (opens in a new tab).
But Nkunku would provide another, different attacking option for Graham Potter – who recently took over from the sacked Thomas Tuchel and will take charge of his first Premier League game as Blues boss on Saturday, at Crystal Palace. (opens in a new tab).
The former PSG (opens in a new tab) man – who won his first of eight senior caps for France in March – is valued at £72million by transfer market (opens in a new tab).
He is currently a teammate of former Chelsea striker Timo Werner – who re-signed for Leipzig last month after a disappointing two-season spell at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking in May on Premier League switch rumours, Nkunku said (opens in a new tab): “I don’t close any doors. Everything is possible in football.”
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Chelsea continue to be linked with a move for Declan Rice, and Graham Potter has reportedly given the Blues the green light to sign West Ham captain (opens in a new tab). Rice’s England teammate Jude Bellingham is also a midfield target for the two-time European champions. (opens in a new tab).
Elsewhere, Chelsea are set to face stiff competition from PSG and Real Madrid in the race to sign defender Milan Skriniar from Inter Milan. (opens in a new tab).
Meanwhile, Blues duo Trevoh Chalobah and Armando Broja appear to be on the radar at Inter and AC Milan respectively (opens in a new tab) – while Christian Pulisic could also swap Stamford Bridge for Serie A, Juventus believe they have discussed a deal for the disadvantaged winger (opens in a new tab).
