Chelsea considering move for Bundesliga player of the year

Chelsea are considering making a move for RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, according to reports. 

As per Goal, the Blues are keen to refresh their attacking options, but will need to move on at least one of their current crop before doing so.

Timo Werner appears to be the most likely candidate to depart, although Borussia Dortmund, who were regarded as the most likely suitors for the club, have reportedly gone cold over the idea.

The German is currently the club’s fourth highest earner but, having started just 15 league games this season, the club believe it may be best to let him go.

That would create space for Nkunku, who was recently crowned the Bundesliga Player of the Year after scoring 20 goals and providing 15 assists in 34 games.

Nkunku, 24, is believed to be in negotiations with his current club over a possible contract extension, but Chelsea believe that they may be able to hijack the deal and persuade the forward to move to London.

Nkunku won the DFB Pokal with Leipzig earlier this month

Chelsea have been unable to buy or sell players for several weeks since former owner Roman Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government, but Todd Boehly has been given the green light to complete a takeover of the club in the coming days and they will then be able to acquire new signings.

Boehly will reportedly hand Tuchel a budget of £200 million to revamp his squad, and a number of names have been touted as possible targets.

Declan Rice has been heavily linked with the club for many months now, although West Ham’s £150 million price tag for the player may deter the Blues.

Aurelien Tchouameni was also a target, but the Frenchman appears to be close to joining Real Madrid, which could in turn do Chelsea a favour as the La Liga champions were also interested in Nkunku, but may no longer be able to afford a deal.

A forward will undoubtedly be among Tuchel’s priorities this summer, considering the poor form of most of his frontline, and Nkunku could prove to be a suitable option, although the likes of Neymar and Robert Lewandowski have also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.