Chelsea Seal a Deal for RB Leipzig Star Christopher Nkunku to Join Next Summer as Graham Potter Makes His First Signing Since Taking Over
Chelsea have completed the signing of RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, with the player officially joining the Blues in 2023.
As reported by Daily Mail, Nkunku had been heavily linked with the Stamford Bridge outfit for some time, but Chelsea have finally got their man after the deal was completed on Saturday.
The French star scored 20 goals and made 15 assists in the Bundesliga last term, but is not the only talent from the German league linked with Chelsea, with Borussia Dortmund starlet Youssoufa Moukoko of reported interest.
Nkunku had a £53million release clause in his Leipzig contract but Fabrizio Romano has reported that the Blues paid around £10m more than that to get a deal done early.
Nkunku’s arrival marks the first statement signing of the Graham Potter era at Chelsea, with the ex-Brighton boss replacing Thomas Tuchel in September.
The Blues are in the middle of something of a crisis up front, with Armando Broja ruled out until the end of the season with a knee injury.
As a result the only out-and-out centre-forward at the club is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with Kai Havertz capable of coming in as a false nine when called upon.
Nkunku, however, will not arrive in west London until summer 2023, although he represents one of Europe’s finest and most highly sought-after attacking talents.
His breakout 2021-22 season drew widespread acclaim and praise, and he has already produced 12 goals and two Bundesliga assists in 2022-23.
At 25, the French forward represents a talent that can lead the line for Chelsea for a number of years to come, but also one who will only accrue greater value if the club does decide to sell him on in the coming years.
