Chelsea are closing in on their deal to sign Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig (Getty)
Chelsea are planning to complete their €60 million (£51.9m) deal to sign RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku before the World Cup starts, according to reports in Germany.
It’s understood that the 24-year-old underwent a medical in Frankfurt in the closing stages of the summer transfer window after reaching an initial agreement with Chelsea.
According to Bild, Chelsea are now finalising the transfer with RB Leipzig and the Premier League club expect Nkunku to sign a five-year contract before the World Cup begins on November 20.
Nkunku is currently vying for a place in France’s World Cup squad and remains in contention after featuring as a substitute in both of their Nations League matches during the September international break.
The 24-year-old has been one of RB Leipzig’s standout performers this season with seven goals in nine Bundesliga games so far, plus another in the Champions League.
Christopher Nkunku is competing for a place in France’s World Cup squad (Getty)
Bild also claim that Chelsea have retained their interest in Nkunku’s RB Leipzig teammate Josko Gvardiol.
Chelsea failed with an attempt to sign the Croatia international in the closing stages of the summer window having offered RB Leipzig a deal worth up to €80m (£69.2m).
The Premier League club will make another attempt to sign Gvardiol at the end of the season.
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Bild also report that Chelsea are interested in signing Jude Bellingham and have held talks with Borussia Dortmund, although they will face strong competition from several clubs in Europe for the England international.
Benjamin Pavard, whose contract with Bayern Munich expires in 2024, is also on Chelsea’s shortlist.
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Chelsea have a five-year contract lined up.