Christopher Nkunku transfer news: AC Milan agree £36m deal for Chelsea forward

Meanwhile, striker Nicolas Jackson is also in talks over an initial loan move to Bayern Munich, which could include an obligation to buy.

The sale of Nkunku also means Chelsea can boast about making a profit in the transfer market, raising a league-high of an estimated £309m to balance about £277m in player purchases.

Player sales are important to Chelsea this summer because of Uefa sanctions which included a fine of 31m euros (£26.7m), but also a requirement to maintain a “positive transfer balance” in this window to register new signings for the Champions League.

Nkunku scored 18 goals and got five assists in 62 matches for Chelsea, after joining from RB Leipzig for about £52m in 2023.

The France international leaves having played a significant role in Chelsea winning the Club World Cup and Conference League this year.