Graham Potter ‘completes’ first Chelsea transfer as £53m bid accepted and pre-contract agreed

RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku is set to become Graham Potter’s first signing at Chelsea as Todd Boehly looks to strengthen the club’s frontline further. The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, but a move failed to materialise.

football.london understand that the Blues, who hold a long-term interest in Nkunku , were considering making a move for the France international in the summer, but they were put off by the German giants’ €100million (£87.6m) asking price. Late into the window, the Frenchman penned a new deal at the Red Bull Arena, which – naturally – cast doubt as to whether an exit would be on the cards.

Though, it’s understood that a €60million (£52.6m) release clause was inserted into the contract , which only becomes active in the summer, meaning Nkunku could leave for considerably less and save Chelsea £35million. And, according to The Athletic , the west Londoners have ‘committed to pay’ the aforementioned release clause to sign him in advance to avoid an inevitable transfer war.

The report states that Nkunku has signed a pre- contract agreement to arrive at Stamford Bridge in the summer after having already completed a medical. If the report is to be believed, then Potter is set to have the makings of a very strong strike force next season. Upon signing an extension at Leipzig earlier this year, Nkunku said:

“I’m pleased to continue wearing the RB Leipzig shirt. After our great achievement in winning the DFB-Pokal, it remained clear that my story here isn’t over yet – we want more. “I was really impressed with the club’s efforts to keep me, so a big thanks goes to those responsible for the trust in me and especially to Oliver Mintzlaff, with whom I was always in close contact. RB Leipzig have made a name for themselves on the international stage in recent years and have shown time and again that we can compete for titles.”