Fresh talks between Chelsea and Bayern Munich are planned as the two clubs try to reach an agreement for Christopher Nkunku to leave Stamford Bridge.
There is still work to do following talks this weekend, and one side would need to budge for a deal to be struck. Chelsea have ruled out a loan, which was Bayern’s preference.
Standard Sport understands that Chelsea value Nkunku at €50million (£43.1m) but would likely accept a slightly lower initial figure plus add-ons if it meant Bayern agreeing to a permanent deal.
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The German champions initially wanted a loan or a loan with an option to buy, but Chelsea will accept neither.
Nkunku has asked to leave Chelsea and has made it clear he wants to join Bayern, with personal terms already agreed. Other clubs are keen on the Frenchman.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl is leading negotiations for the Bavarians’ side and knows Nkunku well, having been sporting director at the forward’s previous club, RB Leipzig.
Nkunku has four years left on his deal and is one of the most valuable players left at the club who the recruitment team are willing to sell.
His sale would improve the club’s bottom line and help to accelerate the club's pursuit of Alejandro Garnacho and Xavi Simons.
If a deal with Bayern cannot be struck, other clubs are expected to alert Chelsea to their interest in the 27-year-old but will be aware that any loan move is currently completely off the table.
The Frenchman scored 15 goals and assisted five in 48 appearances last season.
