Chelsea are edging towards concluding a big-money deal for RB Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku as 'negotiations are progressing very well' at Stamford Bridge, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Having been appointed as the Blues' head coach in September, Graham Potter will be given an opportunity to bolster his squad during the January window.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update

What's the latest news involving Nkunku?

Respected Italian journalist Romano has told GIVEMESPORT that Chelsea are 'really close' to luring Nkunku to the Premier League.

According to 90min, the west Londoners are confident they have wrapped up a deal for the attacker and he could join as soon as January.

The report suggests Chelsea are willing to pay more than the eight-cap France international's £58million release clause, which becomes active next summer, as it would permit them to spread the fee over a number of years.

It previously emerged that Nkunku has signed a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea, with the club seeing him as a fundamental part of the rebuild at Stamford Bridge.

The 25-year-old has already undergone a medical, having travelled to the German city of Frankfurt ahead of a potential move in September.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

What has Fabrizio Romano said about Nkunku?

Romano understands that Chelsea have built a strong rapport with Leipzig and a big-money deal is being discussed.

The journalist is aware that the Blues are edging towards reaching an agreement ahead of the transfer window reopening at the turn of the year.

Romano told GIVEMESPORT: "Chelsea have a very good relationship with Leipzig, so they negotiated over a potential fee because Chelsea are not triggering the clause.

"They are discussing a fee with Leipzig worth around £60million, with different kinds of payment terms. Negotiations are progressing very well and the deal is almost ready."

Will Nkunku be involved at the World Cup?

Despite being named in France’s World Cup squad by boss Didier Deschamps earlier this month, Nkunku has been forced to pull out through injury.

It has been confirmed that the Leipzig man will not compete in Qatar after sustaining a problem during a training session.

Footage shows that Nkunku was on the receiving end of a strong challenge from Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga and, after immediately clutching the back of his left leg, needed to be assisted off the pitch.

France, who are looking to make it back-to-back World Cup wins in the Middle East, have replaced Nkunku with Randal Kolo Muani in the squad.

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