Chelsea plan to pay more than Christopher Nkunku's €60m release clause to stop suitors joining race next summer. When Nkunku signed new deal, release clause negotiated 'low' (below market value) to ensure he could still leave despite extending. This was at Nkunku's request.
In essence, Nkunku wants to focus on the World Cup and do a full season with Leipzig. It's smart of Chelsea to offer above the release clause (and still below market value) now before his price goes up higher.
Under that eventuality, Leipzig could demand more to fast-track sale or tell #CFC to try their luck when release clause active. Negotiation is intriguing because Leipzig want max fee rather than only release clause. But they also know #CFC not be only suitor prepared to pay more.
There's is now a pre-agreement between #CFC & Nkunku, but important to note this doesn't prevent him listening to other offers. That's why Chelsea want to move fast to finalise locked fee & structure with Leipzig since then they can issue formal paperwork (as per Keita to #LFC).
There's also been confusion over Nkunku's 'secret' medical & whether he's signed anything. From my understanding, medical not in doubt. It happened a few weeks ago with #CFC staff present. But Leipzig still maintain Nkunku has NOT signed paperwork with Chelsea & it's all verbal.
Denials (and conflicting info) are relatively normal, after all the move isn't imminent (even if a deal is). At Chelsea's end, they believe they have beaten their rivals and have formal player acceptance. PSG are not currently looking at re-signing Nkunku, as reported last week.
& if you need a summary: yes, Nkunku's signed a pre-agreement. But as I understand it, it's not legally enforceable or exclusive until club-to-club agreement ready. Then Nkunku must decide & has given verbal assurances. This puts #CFC in strong position but not quite a done deal.
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
