According to sources who spoke to ESPN, Chelsea has made arrangements for Christopher Nkunku to undergo medical exams before to a potential transfer in an effort to gain an advantage in the battle to recruit him from RB Leipzig.
Several elite clubs, including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, are interested in 24-year-old Nkunku.
However, Chelsea has made an effort to take the lead after supervising personal testing in Frankfurt a few weeks ago with a Chelsea orthopaedist present.
The test was first reported in the German daily Bild, and subsequent reports to ESPN have been verified by sources.
Nkunku is believed to have a release clause in his contract set at €60 million which comes into effect in the summer of 2023.
Chelsea have indicated a willingness to meet that price but no deal has yet been reached given other clubs are interested and the clause is not yet in effect.
Nkunku has scored six goals in 11 appearances this campaign, building on last season’s impressive tally of 35 goals in 52 games across all competitions.
The France international can play as a centre-forward, a second striker or an attacking midfielder. Co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital are keen on pursuing a transfer strategy involving acquiring younger players committed to long-term contracts and have identified Nkunku as a target.
Sources have told ESPN that Chelsea were keen on signing Nkunku this summer but Leipzig wanted to keep him for another season and agreed a two-year contract extension with the player to 2026.