Is Christopher Nkunku joining Chelsea? RB Leipzig star’s release clause, age, stats, and FIFA 23 rating

Despite the transfer window shutting only a month ago, Chelsea already look to have secured their first signing of summer 2023.

Todd Boehly opted to splash the cash following his arrival, spending over £250 million on the likes of Raheem Sterling, Wesley Fofana and Marc Cucurella.

However, with Thomas Tuchel’s shock sacking and Graham Potter’s arrival, the American businessman has already shown he is willing to back the new boss even further.

According to German outlet Bild, Chelsea are set to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku next summer.

The Blues were one of a number of clubs heavily linked with the Frenchman following a stellar campaign in Germany, however Nkunku opted to sign a new two-year contract extension with the club.

Despite this, it looks like Leipzig will have only managed to hold onto the midfielder for a further year and will prepare to part ways with their star man.

Is Christopher Nkunku joining Chelsea?

While there is still plenty to done before Christopher Nkunku is a Chelsea player, Bild reported that the 24-year-old has already undergone a ‘secret’ medical in Frankfurt ahead of a summer move.

Despite Nkunku only signing a new contract in June, the £52.8m release clause has quickly attracted the attention of Chelsea and the London club are preparing to trigger the clause in order to lure him away from the Red Bull Arena.

It is likely that a number of clubs will be prepared to pay Nkunku’s price tag next summer, however it is Chelsea that have already put their move into action.

Christopher Nkunku’s stats

Christopher Nkunku began his career with Paris Saint-Germain but failed to impress and was sold to Leipzig for only €13m in July 2019.

It didn’t take Nkunku long to have an impact in Germany and he soon became a huge threat in front of goal, while also providing the versatility of playing in midfield and in attack.

The France international’s third season with Leipzig was certainly his best, claiming a whopping 20 goals and 13 assists in the Bundesliga, while also netting seven in six matches in the Champions League.

His success last season saw him win a number of awards including Bundesliga Player of the Season, Bundesliga Team of the Season and the UEFA Europa League Team of the Season.

Nkunku was called up to the senior France squad for the first time in March of this year and has since earned eight caps - though is yet to score his first international goal.

Transfermarkt value

Christopher Nkunku’s current market value is £72 million - significantly more than his release clause.

His spectacular 2021/22 campaign has seen his market value shoot up, with Transfermarkt reporting he was worth £38.7m last summer.

FIFA 23 rating

Christopher Nkunku’s rating on FIFA 23 is 86 - with a potential of 89.

The midfielder is a higher rating than the likes of Jorginho, Mason Mount and Kai Havertz.

Nkunku’s Ultimate Team stats are: 88 pace, 81 shooting, 83 passing, 88 dribbling, 65 defending and 66 physical.