Nkunku set to take pay cut to join Milan | OneFootball

AC Milan have reached a £36m agreement – including add-ons – to acquire Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku.

The 27-year-old is set to take a wage reduction to join the Italian club on a five-year deal and has been granted permission to travel for his medical.

Chelsea have also inserted a sell-on clause in the arrangement, bringing Nkunku's two-year spell at Stamford Bridge to an end.

The transfer could have broader consequences for Chelsea, as discussions progress over signing winger Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.

Meanwhile, striker Nicolas Jackson is reportedly negotiating an initial loan move to Bayern Munich, potentially with a purchase obligation. Nkunku’s departure also allows Chelsea to highlight a profit in the transfer market, generating a league-topping estimated £309m to offset around £277m spent on incoming players.

Player sales are particularly crucial for Chelsea this summer due to Uefa sanctions, which included a €31m (£26.7m) fine and a requirement to maintain a "positive transfer balance" this window to register new Champions League signings.

Nkunku netted 18 goals and contributed five assists in 62 appearances for Chelsea, after moving from RB Leipzig for roughly £52m in 2023.

The France international departs having played a key part in Chelsea winning the Club World Cup and Conference League this year.