Chelsea will now have to ‘make a decision’ regarding whether they sign RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku or AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, with the club remaining open-minded, according to journalist Dean Jones.
Chairman Todd Boehly handed Thomas Tuchel more than £250 million with which to strengthen his squad in the summer, but it seems the American is ready to invest again after sacking the German.
What is the latest on the duo?
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are lining up a move for Nkunku after the forward underwent a secret medical in Frankfurt this summer.
The report adds that the 24-year-old has a £53 million release clause that Boehly will need to activate in order to add the star – who has previously been described as ‘world class’ – to Graham Potter’s squad next summer.
Leao also emerged as a target over the summer transfer window, with Milan director Paolo Maldini confirming the Blues made an approach.
The Italy legend said that Chelsea had made an ‘informal offer’ for the 23-year-old but the club were adamant he would only be sold if his £130 million release clause was met.
It later emerged that Leao’s agent, Jorge Mendes, attempted to push through a deal that would have seen the forward move to either Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain.
What has Jones said on the situation?
Jones understands that Chelsea have to choose between signing either Leao or Nkunku – who have a combined value of £138 million on Transfermarkt - next summer.
He adds that, because of Leao’s release clause, the Portuguese international is currently out of the Blues’ price bracket.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “Chelsea have to make a decision between Nkunku and Leao. There are positives and complications on both sides but the main issue for Leao is that right now he is priced out of a move. Chelsea remain pretty open minded about how this all opens up but it’s certainly exciting for fans to know they are putting big plans in place for next year.”
Who should Chelsea sign?
As things stand, it appears a deal for Nkunku is more likely with the Blues having pushed ahead with an early medical in the summer.
The eight-cap France international has already scored six times in 11 appearances this season and boasts 53 goals in 147 appearances for Leipzig, notching 48 assists in the process as well.
Leao is clearly an exciting talent too, having found the net 11 times as Milan won the Serie A title last term, taking his career total to 40 strikes.
But, given the progress that has been made with Nkunku, and the fact he can play in attacking midfield as well as across the front line, he appears to be the more attractive prospect at this stage.