Real Madrid are putting together their summer wishlist. The likes of Kroos, Benzema and Modric aren’t immortal and fresh blood will be needed.

This season, Karim Benzema has missed a number of weeks with injury and Los Blancos have badly missed the striker when he’s been absent.

Christopher Nkunku is the perfect man for the Real Madrid forward line. The France international, 24, currently plays for Bundesliga club RB Leipzig.

Last season, Nkunku scored 35 goals and supplied 16 assists - figures within reach of precious few players. The PSG youth product is utterly top-drawer.

Widely dubbed the ‘new Mbappé’,  he’s mobile, is a sublime finisher, and can operate anywhere in the attack. At No. 10, on the wing, up top…

This term, Nkunku has 12 goals and  an assist. He’s scored every 126 minutes. Benzema has six goals and an assist, netting every 155 minutes.

Nkunku extended his contract in June, as it was the only way to negotiate a release clause. It’s been set at €60 million, an affordable price for Madrid.

According to Transfermarkt, Nkunku's current market value is €80 million. Many clubs are chasing the player, with Chelsea particularly interested.

In early October, he reportedly signed a pre-contract with Chelsea, the Blues agreeing to pay Leipzig more than his €60 million buy-out fee.

Indeed, it’s even been claimed that  he's passed a medical with the Premier League club, who appear to be his first-choice destination as things stand.

A pre-contract doesn’t mean Chelsea have sealed the deal, however. Real Madrid are still in the race - but a charm offensive will be needed.

They'll have to convince Nkunku they really need him. He knows it’ll be  hard to displace a fit and firing Benzema. He can also compete for other spots, though.