Report: Chelsea agree to pay over €60M to sign Leipzig's Nkunku

RB Leipzig star and reigning Bundesliga player of the year Christopher Nkunku has agreed to join Chelsea in 2023, sources told The Athletic's David Ornstein.

The Blues reportedly promised to pay Leipzig more than €60 million to secure the player's signature before the transfer window opens.

Other English sides had expressed interest in signing the 24-year-old, according to Ornstein. Paris Saint-Germain, who developed the French forward before selling him to Leipzig in 2019 for an estimated €13 million, had also been linked with a move.

Nkunku reportedly underwent a medical last week under the supervision of Chelsea's medical staff, allowing negotiations to progress between the German club and the west London side.

Chelsea rekindled their relationship with Leipzig in August, negotiating Timo Werner's return to Saxony two years after signing him for around €53 million.

They'll hope Nkunku will enjoy a better spell in the Premier League - and signs indicate he will. Nkunku recorded 35 goals and 16 assists in all competitions last season, helping Leipzig recover from their worst-ever start to a top-flight campaign and finish fourth in the Bundesliga. He's carried that form into the 2022-23 season, scoring eight goals in 12 appearances thus far.

Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is spearheading the club's massive recruitment drive while searching for a permanent sporting director. Chelsea reportedly approached Christoph Freund, who works for Leipzig's sister club, Red Bull Salzburg, before turning their attention to other candidates.