Report: Chelsea keen on ‘special’ forward with more goals than Haaland this season, but they’ll need to pay £61m

March 7, 2022 admin SPORTS 0

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - FEBRUARY 17: Christopher Nkunku of RB Leipzig celebrates after scoring their team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League Knockout Round Play-Offs Leg One match between RB Leipzig and Real Sociedad at Football Arena Leipzig on February 17, 2022 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Chelsea are reportedly still tracking RB Leipzig’s prized possession Christopher Nkunku.

According to Foot Mercato, the Blues haven’t dropped their interest in the formidable Frenchman.

Nkunku came up on Chelsea’s radar in October ahead of the winter transfer window.

At that time, the Leipzig attacker had been attracting attention from across Europe due to his blistering start to the season.

He had scored nine goals in 10 matches, including a hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League.

Since then, the 24-year-old has somehow reached another level of efficiency.

What’s all the hype around Nkunku?

His current goal tally stands at 25 across all competitions, with another 13 assists to boot.

Put into context, Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland has 23 for the term, Kylian Mbappe 24 and Mohammed Salah 27.

Few in the world can claim to be near Nkunku’s return over the past few months, especially none from Chelsea’s ranks.

Romelu Lukaku tops Thomas Tuchel’s charts with 11, followed by Kai Havertz on nine, then Hakim Ziyech, Mason Mount and Timo Werner on seven.

Therefore, it is little surprise that the Stamford Bridge hierarchy has kept up their pursuit of the Bundesliga’s fifth most deadly marksmen.

Could Chelsea splash the cash on Christopher?

Understandably, the Blues are seemingly not the only ones impressed by Nkunku’s output.

Foot Mercato claim Manchester City and Real Madrid are also chasing the forward’s signature, whilst Paris Saint-Germain want to reclaim their former pupil.

Those within Leipzig’s walls have also been dazzled.

Club teammate Tyler Adams labelled Nkunku as ‘obviously something special’ on the Bundesliga Highlights Show.

Adams can see it, supporters can see it, the world can see, but will Chelsea see it?

What they will see is the player’s price tag.

Justifiably or not, Nkunku’s value apparently stands at £61m (Foot Meracto).

This is just under £20m more than what Werner cost in 2020, a man who also lit up the grandest stage in Leipzig colours.

But look how his move to South West London has since turned out…

Could Nkunku walk the same fate? Time will tell.