Chelsea are closing in on the signing of RB Lepizig forward Christopher Nkunku.

The highly-rated France star, 25, is ready to sign a long-term deal at Stamford Bridge in a deal worth more than £51.7million, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

Nkunku has managed an impressive 17 goals and four assists in 23 appearances this term and reportedly intends to see out the campaign with his current employers before joining up with the Blues next summer.

Romano even suggests the in-demand ace has already completed a medical ahead of the switch.

He was expected to play a key role for Les Bleus at the World Cup before an ankle ligament injury on the eve of the tournament ruled him out.

That will keep the Bundesliga player of the year on the sidelines until early 2023 at least and he may even yet require surgery.

The lack of a regular goalscorer has plagued Chelsea's season so far, leaving them sitting a lowly eighth in the Premier League table.

Nkunku's arrival may open the exit door for fellow attacker Christian Pulisic, 24, who is out of favour under Graham Potter but has impressed for the United States at the World Cup.

The American is said to be seeking a loan move away in January, though the Daily Mail indicate Chelsea would prefer to secure a permanent sale.

In other news

The Mirror say Benfica have slapped a £100m price tag on Argentina star Enzo Fernandez, who Manchester United are chasing.

United will face competition from Juventus for Spain winger Nico Williams in January, say Fichajes.

Roma are considering a move for Leicester defender Caglar Soyuncu, 26, according to Calciomercato.