Christopher Nkunku: Chelsea Ready to Take Major Risk as Transfer Agreed Despite Huge Injury Setback

• RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku is reportedly set to seal a deal to represent Chelsea next summer
• The Blues have been keen on signing the French star, and his latest injury setback did not affect their interest
• Nkunku has a staggering £53 million release clause on his contract with the Bundesliga giants

Chelsea are reportedly set to sign RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, despite the fact that the Frenchman faces an uncertain period away from football action through injury.

Nkunku has reportedly already agreed to personal terms with the West London club, who are ready to trigger the 24-year-old’s release clause of £53 million.

Reports that Nkunku could move to Chelsea initially emerged in October, at a time when he had just signed a contract extension with the Bundesliga club.

The Frenchman started attracting interest from big clubs in Europe after scoring 35 goals in 52 appearances in the 2021/22 campaign, and Chelsea was among the interested parties.

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Daily Mail, quoting Le10Sport in France, claim Chelsea are ready to snap up Nkunku’s services despite the striker’s latest injury setback.

Nkunku was ruled out of the World Cup and had to depart from the France camp after tearing a knee ligament in training. But that has not stopped his agent, Pini Zahavi from brokering a deal with Chelsea - which is expected to be closed on July 1 next year.

This would suggest Nkunku will not join Chelsea mid-season, as many had initially anticipated.

From his ligament injury, the German is expected to be out for eight to ten weeks.

Chelsea’s Lukaku dilemma

Sports Brief also earlier reported on Chelsea’s dilemma on selling Lukaku, as the striker continues to battle injuries for Belgium and Inter Milan.

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Despite being selected to be part of Belgium’s 26-man squad for the World Cup, Lukaku is set to miss his nations’ opening two games as he continues to recover from a stubborn thigh injury.

Chelsea’s biggest concern is the fact that the lack of games for Lukaku will adversely affect his market value, which could point to losses in the event they decide to seal a permanent transfer for the Belgium international.