Real Madrid to hijack Chelsea's move for Christopher Nkunku?

Real Madrid are reportedly giving consideration to trying to beat Chelsea in the race to sign RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku.

As recently as June, the versatile attacker penned a long-term contract extension at the German side, keeping him there until 2026.

However, despite that development initially ending speculation regarding the France international's future, transfer talk quickly ignited in the months that followed.

Chelsea have allegedly already held discussions with RB Leipzig regarding a deal in 2023, the Premier League giants said to be willing to pay Nkunku's new release clause of €60m (£52.7m).

Furthermore, the 24-year-old has reportedly undergone "a secret medical" with the Blues ahead of potentially completing a switch to Stamford Bridge next year.

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Nevertheless, according to Ok Diario, Nkunku is open to remaining at Leipzig if it helps facilitate a future transfer to Real Madrid.

The report suggests that Nkunku would like to play alongside players such as Vinicius Junior, while he would also likely become first choice at the Santiago Bernabeu depending on any movements regarding Karim Benzema.

Although his compatriot is expected to sign a contract extension over the coming weeks, Benzema will turn 35 years of age in December and it is unclear how long he will stay as the frontline striker.

Injuries have restricted Benzema to 10 starts and one substitute outing this campaign, with each of his five goals coming in La Liga.

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As for Nkunku, he has overcome a relatively slow start to the season to currently stand on 16 goals and two assists from his 21 outings in all competitions.

The report suggests that it will be up to Real president Florentino Perez to negotiate a deal with his Leipzig counterparts, although they will likely be expected to agree to the same fee that Chelsea are allegedly prepared to pay.

Leipzig have already strengthened their forward line ahead of 2023-24 with the acquisition of Red Bull Salzburg frontman Benjamin Sesko, a striker who had been linked with a wide array of clubs including Los Blancos.

After a recent upturn in results, Leipzig sit in sixth position in the Bundesliga table, now just six points adrift of leaders Bayern Munich.