Is Chelsea really interested in RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku?

Christopher Nkunku has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United in recent weeks, although whether that interest emanated from Ralf Rangnick is unclear. Rangnick, who himself was a former RB Leipzig boss, is well connected around the Bundesliga club and he has all the necessary connections to get the deal done. The 24-year old forward is currently engaged with negotiations with the DFB-Pokal champions regarding his future. Nkunku contract is reportedly supposed to expire in two seasons and Leipzig is well aware of the large amount of interest he is attracting from around Europe—especially from clubs like Chelsea and Man United.

Nkunku boasts an incredible stat sheet after his impressive year in the German top flight this season. In addition to helping his side to the DFB-Pokal, his CV includes winning the Bundesliga Player of the Year award. That though comes as no surprise though, especially considering the fact that he scored 35 goals and recorded 20 assist in 51 games. While nobody within the Blues’ ranks has reached a tally anywhere near that impressive, does Chelsea really want Nkunku?

Is Chelsea really interested in RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku?

German Outlet BILD has reported that Man United has spoken to Leipzig about a move, but Goal is suggesting that Chelsea is interested in Nkunku, as well. It is believed that the Blues can wedge their way into the German club’s contract talks and even intercept the deal before Man United can get a full grasp on it. Nkunku’s is valued at around £60-£70 million after a breakthrough season, and he does not hold a release clause in his contract either.

Chelsea knows though that it must offload some players first before it can strengthen its already inflated attacking unit. The club is still waiting for the final confirmation of Todd Boehly’s consortium’s takeover to be completed. The Premier league affirmed that the group has passed it’s Owners’ and Directors’ Test and the purchase now remains subject to an official announcement after the government issued the sale license. A few forwards were rumoured to be leaving Stamford Bridge this summer, which could, in turn, open up vacancies for incoming players. Forwards like Christian Pulisic, Timo Werner Hakim Ziyech and Romelu Lukaku—who has failed to reach his heights since his move to west London—are supposedly weighing their options right now before speaking to the club about their futures.

The simple reality is that Chelsea needs to push some players out of the door before even considering the purchase of Nkunku, regardless of interest levels. That could begin with Dortmund, who has been interested in signing Werner for years. However, as Goal’s reports suggest, BVB now seems unsure of a deal following the Blues’ high appraisal of the player. Before Chelsea can make any incoming signings in this summer transfer, it has to offload old players who either significantly pre-date Thomas Tuchel’s arrival or don’t fit his vision.

Werner was brought in on a £50 million price tag two seasons ago from the very same club of the competitor in question, and he has struggled to make any significant impact with a whole host of inconsistent performances. The German international is also one of the highest paid players at the club with a salary of around £275,000 per week. Thus, any deal from Dortmund will be an expensive one, but any outgoing transfer will be key in the club’s search to bring in new players over the summer. The better question is whether or not the Blues are prepared to take a loss.

The Blues’ situation is a fluid one though, and once their license is granted and they move players out successfully, everything could move at a fast pace. In addition to Nkunku, Chelsea is also reportedly interested in adding outgoing Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandoski to its ranks. Links to the Polish striker have emerged in the last few months with Barcelona also keen on the signature of the 33-year-old world class No. 9

There have been a lot of rumours here and there about the Blues’ transfer strategy, but what is certain is that Tuchel considers this summer’s transfer window as a time to rebuild. A new central defender is actually the top of the priority list, despite the close links to players like Nkunku. Chelsea definitely needs this rebuild as it needs to be able to go toe-to-toe with the biggest teams in Europe on a grand stage in the future. That will be determined by Chelsea’s busy summer again.

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