Newcastle transfer news: Toon target Nkunku now set to join Chelsea

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Newcastle United were linked with signing Christopher Nkunku during the summer, but the Frenchman is now set to join Chelsea.

It was reported late last week that the RB Leipzig forward had already undergone medical testing with the Blues. Now the Athletic state that he has signed a pre-contract to move to Stamford Bridge next summer.

Nkunku, who has previously been called ‘exceptional‘, has a release clause next summer worth £53million. However, Chelsea have agreed to pay more than that so they could reach an early deal for the 24-year-old.

It’s the latest big move coming out of West London, with new owner Todd Boehly continuing to make a huge splash.

The American spent almost £300million on new signings during the summer, and has since changed manager. Thomas Tuchel has gone and been replaced by Graham Potter.

And the former Brighton boss is now set to receive a shiny new toy to play with when the 2022/23 season ends.

Nkunku’s move to Chelsea will boost their attacking options, and end any prospect of him moving to St James’ Park in the near future.

Newcastle wanted to sign Christopher Nkunku during the summer

The Magpies had some incredibly ambitious transfer targets during the summer, one of which was Nkunku.

According to the Telegraph, Newcastle had an eye on the France international, but anticipated that he would be out of reach. He was one of three key targets deemed unattainable, with the other two being Darwin Nunez and Kalvin Phillips.

Newcastle reportedly expected that they would have offers from Champions League clubs, and that has proven to be the case. Phillips joined Manchester City, Nunez went to Liverpool, and now Nkunku is going to join Chelsea next year.

It isn’t the biggest blow for Newcastle, as he was a wildly ambitious target. But he is a player who has been tracked by the Magpies for a long time. Nkunku was also linked during the Rafa Benitez era.

With Newcastle wanting players like Nkunku, it shows that Toon scouts have always had their fingers on the pulse. They just didn’t have the backing in the past.

Players like Bruno Guimaraes and Sven Botman were wanted before the takeover by Steve Nickson, but the funds or the ambition were not there.

Funds and ambition is aplenty on Tyneside nowadays, but Nkunku is off to Chelsea instead. That speaks volumes about his meteoric rise in recent years.