Liverpool hatch last gasp plan to steal seismic Chelsea transfer, with ‘regular meetings’ hinting at fate of two huge deals
Liverpool haven’t given up hope of muscling in on Chelsea’s move for Christopher Nkunku, and ‘regular meetings’ have hinted at the outcome of two huge RB Leipzig transfers.
Chelsea were the world’s biggest spenders last summer, forking out over £250m on new recruits. Clearly, the new ownership were keen to kick off the new era in style and the likes of Marc Cucurella, Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling all arrived for big fees.
However, for the foreseeable future at least, the Blues aren’t content to sit back and admire their handiwork.
It’s common knowledge they’re leading the race to sign RB Leipzig hotshot, Christopher Nkunku.
The French forward can operate literally anywhere across a front line and has developed into one of the most dangerous attackers in world football.
He bagged an incredible 35 goals and 20 assists in 52 matches across all competitions last year. Proving he’s not a one-season wonder, the France international has already hit double figures for goals this season.
Chelsea took note and surged ahead of the competition over the summer. A secret medical was reportedly conducted in Frankfurt in late-August.
Various trusted sources such as Fabrizio Romano have since confirmed the procedure did take place.
The medical was with a view to Chelsea getting their ducks in a row ahead of a summer move in 2023.
Nkunku has a release clause that can be activated at that time worth €60m (approx. £52m). To ensure they’re not caught short, Chelsea are reportedly willing to pay above that figure.
Liverpool arrive on the scene too late?
However, according to the Sun, Liverpool want Nkunku too and won’t go down without a fight.
They claim the Reds sent a ‘top’ scout to Germany last week. The objective was to observe Nkunku in Leipzig’s Champions League clash with Celtic, which finished 2-0 to the Germans.
However, per the Sun, Liverpool harbour serious doubts they’ve arrived on the scene too late.
In their words, ‘Anfield insiders fear they’ve missed the boat’ on Nkunku.
They could still activate the release clause and thus give Nkunku a decision to make. However, it stands to reason he wouldn’t have undertaken a medical if he wasn’t on board with the idea of joining Chelsea.
Chelsea double deal to cost £130m+
Nkunku might not be the only Leipzig superstar to wind up at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea bid for Croatian defender Josko Gvardiol over the summer. Leipzig stood firm, with Gvardiol even penning a contract extension on deadline day.
However, that always looked like a simple case of Leipzig protecting their investment ahead of a future sale.
The Sun report Chelsea remain eager to snap up Gvardiol as well as Nkunku. What’s more, part-owner Todd Boehly is conducting ‘regular meetings’ with Leipzig officials and is keeping on top of what would be a mammoth double deal.
Tottenham have been named as another potential suitor for Gvardiol. However, Chelsea are leading the way on both fronts and both deals combined could cost upwards of £130m.
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