Chelsea were handed a blow this week when one of their summer attacking targets, Christopher Nkunku, signed a new deal with RB Leipzig, diminishing any chance of the Frenchman joining the club this summer.
Nkunku penned a fresh two-year deal with the Bundesliga outfit until 2026, leaving Thomas Tuchel to throw his focus on other targets, including Raheem Sterling, Ousmane Dembele and Richarlison.
There is still hope, however, that the Blues could acquire their target next season if they wished to do so after Nkunku’s new deal included a €60 million release clause, which could save the club a lot of money should the 24-year-old continue to flourish and develop next season
Nkunku signing a new contract could come as a blessing in disguise to Chelsea, allowing the Blues to assess their current pool of forwards in the squad before seeing if they need to sign the Frenchman next summer. They would face a lot of competition with the likes of Manchester United and Real Madrid likely to still be interested.
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If they were to pursue Nkunku, luckily Chelsea will have one huge obstacle removed from the equation which would be to negotiate with Leipzig.
With the release clause set to be active next year, the Blues can march along with their briefcase of €60 million and strike a deal to get their player without any negotiation tactics.
Attacking players within the Chelsea team will also have the pressure to perform knowing that a star of Nkunku’s quality could be joining the club next season so the intensity and fight for places will be at its peak for the Blues.
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Nkunku would put plenty of Chelsea players on high alert after showcasing his versatility in the Bundesliga and Champions League.
The RB Leipzig frontman has played as a focal point, false nine, on either wing and deeper in midfield.
His numbers are also far superior to any Blues player at the moment after being involved in 34 goals in 33 appearances in the Bundesliga last season, scoring 20 times.
In the Champions League, Nkunku had more goals than appearances. In six games, the young prodigy scored seven goals and assisted his teammates twice in what was considered the group of death alongside Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City.
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Across all competitions, Nkunku was involved in 54 goals in 50 appearances, scoring 35 times, which is remarkable for a player who isn’t used to plying his trade as the lead attacker.
For a player of his age, Nkunku already comes with vast experience, winning three league titles in France with PSG and now making the Team of the Season in the Bundesliga with Leipzig.
His stellar work certainly wasn’t unnoticed after claiming the Player of the Year accolade last season.
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With more still in the tank and his peak years ahead of him, Chelsea should jump at the opportunity to sign the forward, if required in a year’s time, once his release clause becomes active because it could prove to be a snippet of his true value.
Chelsea will be hoping to avoid a repeat of Aurelien Tchouameni's situation which saw him join Real Madrid.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea, RB Leipzig, Manchester United, Football, Transfers, Premier League
