Revealed: Nkunku's Chelsea medical has already taken place
FT Desk
- 30 Sept 2022 08:01 BST
- 3 min read
RB Leipzig attacker Christopher Nkunku has already had his Chelsea medical ahead of a transfer from RB Leipzig according to reports in Germany.
Nkunku became one of the most in-demand attackers in European football last season when he plundered 35 goals and 20 assists in 52 games in all competitions for Leipzig, with Bayern Munich, Liverpool and first club PSG all linked.
But many potential suitors were put off the scent when Nkunku extended his contract at the Red Bull Arena in June, signing a deal which runs until 2026. However, there is a release clause for €60 million which activates in 2023, and Chelsea aren't hanging around.
One goal, one assist, and one unreal touch - a day in the life of Christopher Nkunku ✨ pic.twitter.com/AaUYf48WkV
— Bundesliga English (@Bundesliga_EN) March 9, 2021
"The English club Chelsea secretly carried out a medical check-up with the top Bundesliga star in Frankfurt in the summer," write German tabloid, Bild.
According to their report, Nkunku met with Chelsea medical staff in Germany so as not to cause a stir in England, while the journey from Leipzig to Frankfurt was a simple one for the player.
Medical check completed
The Frenchman - who also won his first international cap last season - has completed a cardiological medical check, with a Chelsea orthopaedist also present. The medical has also been paid for recently.
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly sanctioned nearly €300m of spending this summer, with attacking players Raheem Sterling and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang costing a combined €66m in arriving from Manchester City and Barcelona respectively.
But both players were identified by former coach Thomas Tuchel, who was sacked in September and replaced by Brighton's Graham Potter.
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Nkunku is already on the way to becoming a top-class forward, but his age will also appeal to Chelsea, with the best of his career still ahead of him at 24.
Boehly and Tuchel are understood to have disagreed about the former's "Vision 2030" which also saw Carney Chukwuemeka and Gabriel Slonina arrive at the club.
