DONE DEAL: Christopher Nkunku has full agreement to join Chelsea

Christopher Nkunku will be a Chelsea player next season after the Blues reached a full agreement with RB Leipzig, sources have told Football Insider.

Sources with knowledge of the 25-year-old’s situation have revealed that the deal is “100%” wrapped up with all parties despite no official announcement from the player or either club.

Nkunku now considers himself a Chelsea player and could link up with his new side as early as 1 July.

It remains to be seen whether the versatile France international is a potential replacement for star man Mason Mount, whose contract standoff with the Blues continues.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (13 March) that Liverpool are in pole position to sign Mount if he is to leave Stamford Bridge this summer – with Man United also interested in his services.

Nkunku, whose current contract at Leipzig is set to expire in June 2026, can play in attacking midfield, as a centre-forward and on both flanks.

Despite a torn knee ligament forcing him to miss the World Cup in Qatar, the 25-year-old has managed 17 goals and five assists as a regular starter across all competitions.

The former Paris Saint-Germain star enjoyed his most prolific campaign last season – notching 35 goals and 20 assists in 52 appearances to put himself on the radar of the world’s top clubs.

Chelsea have been extensively linked with a deal for Nkunku since the mega-money takeover of Todd Boehly but were forced to delay his signing until the summer of 2023.

Graham Potter’s side moved to add forward Joao Felix on loan in the January window.

Noni Madueke and Mykhaylo Mudryk were also drafted in but Chelsea remain some way short of the race for Champions League qualification this term.

Despite their 3-1 win over Leicester on Saturday (11 March), the Blues sit 11 points short of fourth-place Tottenham.