Christopher Nkunku of Chelsea FC applauds during the FIFA
Christopher Nkunku is set to leave Chelsea before Monday’s transfer deadline (LightRocket via Getty)
Christopher Nkunku has reached an initial agreement to join AC Milan as the Serie A club prepare a bid to sign the Chelsea forward, according to reports in Italy.
The 27-year-old has struggled to secure a regular role at Chelsea since his £52 million move from RB Leipzig in 2023.
Nkunku started just nine games in the Premier League last season and was an unused substitute in Chelsea’s win against Real Betis in the Conference League final in May. He is yet to appear for Enzo Maresca’s side this season.
The French forward has attracted plenty of interest this summer with Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig and Aston Villa all considering a move.
However, Sky Sport Italy report that AC Milan are now leading the race to sign Nkunku and are now in direct talks with Chelsea over a transfer fee.
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The report claims that Nkunku has reached a ‘basic agreement’ to join AC Milan and the Italian club, who finished eighth in Serie A last season, are now preparing to submit an offer between €30m and €40m (£25.8m and £34.4m)
Speaking last week, Maresca made it clear that Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson, who is also looking to leave Stamford Bridge before Monday’s transfer deadline, would both be ‘happier’ away from Chelsea.
Christo is with us, like Nico. But it’s the same answer. The other two players [Ben Chilwell and Raheem Sterling] are training apart, waiting for a solution.’
‘We’ll see if they’re going to be here, they’re going to be with us.
‘In case they are not here it means they have found a solution.
‘At the end I think it’s always better if they can find a solution because I think they are going to be more happy and the club the same.’
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