Transfer News: Chelsea are planning a double swoop for RB Leipzig stars Christopher Nkunku and Josko Gvardiol
According to Sky Sports Germany (h/t ESPN), Chelsea intends to make a doubles signing of Christopher Nkunku and Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig. Nkunku is also a target for Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick.
The 24-year-old forward has 34 goals and 19 assists in 49 games in all competitions this season, while Gvardiol is regarded as one of Europe’s best young defenders. The Red Devils may face heavy competition for Nkunku, as Tuchel is interested in signing both the Frenchman and Gvardiol from RB Leipzig this summer.
Apart from the two Premier League sides, Leipzig themselves are in a battle to keep him at the club. Leipzig president Oliver Mintzlaff is keen on retaining the player, yet, he is also aware that anything can happen in football regarding the transfer of players.
‘Nkunku will be our player next year… in football, nobody is unsellable.’
Will Chelsea benefit from the double scoop?
The double signing of the two duo will be of great advantage to Chelsea as they are looking to fill the gap in the defence and attack due to a potential exodus of their star players in these positions.
Chelsea’s pursuit of Gvardiol could be influenced by the departure of Rudiger to Real Madrid at the end of the season. Also, it is claimed that Andreas Christensen could move out of Stamford Bridge as his contract expires this year.
It is hence advisable for the Blues to try and complete this capture. Of course, they may face hurdles in the form of other clubs, but they would have to take the extra step if they want real quality in their squad this summer or in the near future.
Gvardiol was previously considered to be a major priority; still, he may be one of many prospective replacements on Tuchel’s list, which includes Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, PSG defender Presnel Kimpembe, and Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez.
Romelu Lukaku’s future at Chelsea is also up in the air, as he prepares to meet with Thomas Tuchel to discuss his role next season. If he decided to leave, Nkunku would be an ideal replacement considering his current goal-scoring form at Leipzig.
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No wonder he is so highly rated, given the Frenchman’s age, versatility, and form. Same goes for Gvardiol, who has done a good job of slotting in the defensive void left by Ibrahima Konate at Leipzig when he left for Liverpool last summer.
Chelsea would be wise to get in young blood that future-proofs their defence. Trevoh Chalobah is already in our ranks but he alone cannot hold the burden of leading a new-age Chelsea defence in the near future.