AC Milan have come to terms with Chelsea to secure the signing of forward Christopher Nkunku in a deal valued at £36 million, which includes potential add-ons. The 27-year-old French international is poised to accept a reduction in his salary to facilitate this transition to the Italian giants, where he is set to commit to a five-year contract. Nkunku has reportedly been granted the green light to travel to Italy for a medical examination, marking a significant step towards finalizing the transfer.
This move signifies the end of Nkunku’s two-year tenure at Chelsea, a period during which he made notable contributions on the pitch. Alongside the selling club’s provisions, the agreement includes a sell-on clause, hinting at future financial benefits for Chelsea should Nkunku continue to progress in his career. The implications of this transfer extend beyond Nkunku’s departure; it appears to be part of a broader strategy at Chelsea, as negotiations are reportedly progressing for the acquisition of winger Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.
In addition, Chelsea’s striker Nicolas Jackson is engaged in discussions concerning an initial loan arrangement with Bayern Munich, which may evolve into a permanent transfer pending certain conditions. This flurry of activity highlights a proactive approach by Chelsea in the transfer market, particularly as the club seeks to offset player purchases with significant sales. Nkunku’s sale contributes to a substantial total for Chelsea, with the club achieving an impressive estimated £309 million in player sales, surpassing the £277 million they have spent on new acquisitions.
The urgency of these player sales is accentuated by UEFA’s ongoing sanctions against Chelsea, which include a fine of €31 million (£26.7 million) accompanied by a directive to maintain a “positive transfer balance.” This balance is crucial for Chelsea to register their new signings for participation in the Champions League.
During his time with Chelsea, Nkunku played a pivotal role, scoring 18 goals and providing five assists over 62 appearances. His journey with the club began when he joined from RB Leipzig for around £52 million in 2023. Nkunku leaves behind a legacy, having significantly contributed to Chelsea’s success in securing both the Club World Cup and the UEFA Conference League this year, highlighting the impact he made during his stint at Stamford Bridge before embarking on this new chapter in his career with AC Milan.
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