Christopher Nkunku 'had a secret Chelsea medical in Frankfurt' before a possible £52.8m move in 2023

Red Bull Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku reportedly had a 'secret medical' with Chelsea this summer ahead of a potential move before the start of 2023-24.

The Frenchman underwent tests in Frankfurt in August, with a Chelsea orthopedist present, as the Blues look to steal a march in the hunt for one of Europe's top young marksmen, according to German outlet Bild.

Nkunku already has six goals and an assist this season after a breakout campaign in 2021-22, which saw him bag 20 goals and 15 assists in the Bundesliga.

In total last term, Nkunku managed 35 goals and 20 assists in 52 games in all competitions, including a hat-trick in his side's eventful 6-3 loss to Manchester City in the Champions League.

The 24-year-old's statement season put him top of many clubs' shortlists heading into the summer window, but in a season that saw the Bundesliga's biggest strikers move, in Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski, he stayed put.

But seemingly not for long, with Todd Boehly already eyeing up a £52.8million (€60m) move for the versatile forward, who can operate as either a centre-forward, shadow striker or attacking midfielder.

A move would require that non-negotiable release clause payment of £52.8m to be triggered, and with the player under contract until 2026, there is no rush for Leipzig to sell a player who's stock will surely only increase.

But Chelsea are in urgent need of a striker, with Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku returning to Leipzig and Inter respectively and Kai Havertz struggling as a lone forward.

And the price tag on his head will surely not deter the Blues new American owner, who has already broken the Premier League record for spending in one window.

Boehly brought in Marc Cucurella, Kalidou Koulibaly, Wesley Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Raheem Sterling for a total of around £280m.

And the American looks to be in concrete talks with Leipzig, who have a history of selling players a season before they leave the club, with Naby Keita joining Liverpool in 2018 - a year after buying him from the German outfit.

Chelsea would seem the logical move to make, too. A move to German titans Bayern Munich would not be unprecedented, but their current struggles make the Premier League a more attractive destination, especially with both Chelsea and Manchester United in the hunt for a No 9.

But the Blues will have to move fast if they are to jump the queue a season early, although having staged a medical for the player it would come as no surprise if a bid should follow in the not-too-distant future.

55 scorer points in 52 competitive games! With a mega season, Leipzig star Christopher Nkunku (24) aroused desires all over Europe in the summer. And he is apparently even in concrete negotiations with a club!

BILD has now learned: The Frenchman was shortly before the transfer deadline at the end of August for a secret medical check-up at top Premier League club Chelsea. However, not in London – but with a doctor near Frankfurt. The cardiological medical check was completed there, and an orthopedist from Chelsea was also present. And the medical check has already been paid for in the past few days.

Background of the action: They probably wanted to avoid a big stir in England. In addition, the effort for Nkunku in the middle of the season was less.

Also interesting: It was not about a change for the upcoming season. But a transfer next summer. If Nkunku (contract until 2026) is allowed to leave RB for the transfer fee of 60 million euros

It is not uncommon in the industry to carry out medical checks well before the transfer. And RB is also familiar with transfer advances. In 2017 Naby Keita (27) was sold to Liverpool, only in 2018 he moved to England.

This summer, too, there was only this possibility. Bull boss Oliver Mintzlaff's (49) word of power could not be shaken. The club also wants to remain steadfast for the winter. But next summer anything is possible – also because of the opt-out clause.

Rather unlikely that Chelsea's interest has waned after coach Thomas Tuchel (49) left. Since the club takeover, US owner Todd Boehly (49) has set the tone.