Reports from Germany this week claim that Chelsea has a deal in principle to sign Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig next season.
The 24-year-old was named the best player in the Bundesliga last season after scoring 20 goals and providing 15 assists in 34 appearances for RB Leipzig. In Total Nkunku scored 35 goals and provided 20 assists in 52 appearances. His performance for RB Leipzig last saw him earn a call-up to the French National Team.
He has continued his impressive form this season scoring 9 goals and providing an assist in 13 appearances including 6 goals in 8 Bundesliga appearances.
The Blues reported to be head of the other European elite clubs after agreeing on personal terms with Nkunku and had undergone a secret medical ahead of his £60 million move to the West London Club.
Premier League Legends Joe Cole and Rio Ferdinand have revealed they hoping to see Christopher Nkunku in the Premier League.
What was said?
Asked if he is happy to see Nkunku, Joe Cole said on BT:” Massively so. He’s not someone I’ve watched a great deal of but everything I’ve seen from him ticks the box.
“He’s powerful, got great technique, can dribble, he can pass, his numbers are good. He’s playing in a strong league, I think he’s outstanding. Watching him play right now, he looks full of confidence.
“He’s one of the players who’s played on the edge, against Celtic he showed power, passing, goalscoring, he’s shown everything. Chelsea have jumped in and tried to get the business done early.”
Rio Ferdinand also added: “He grew up at PSG by the way so he’s always been identified as a big talent.
“He’s gone to Leipzig and over the years in the Champions League, I’ve seen him grow, grow in stature.
“You can see the confidence and I’m not surprised he’s coming to the Premier League.”
The blues are ready to pay his £60 million release clause which becomes active next summer. He is not the only RB Leipzig player that Chelsea are interested in. The blues are also monitoring the situation of Josko Gvadiol.
However, Chelsea manager Graham Potter refused to comment on Chelsea’s pursuit of Christopher Nkunku at a press conference.
Asked if there were any progress in Chelsea’s pursuit of Nkunku, Graham Potter said: “No, as I said before, my answer is I don’t speak about players that aren’t Chelsea players.
“If you want to ask about any Chelsea players, I’m quite happy to speak about them.
“But it was the same at Brighton. You get linked to a lot of players, and there are a lot of names out there. And you can imagine it gets escalated when you’re at a club like Chelsea.
“But I’ll speak about Chelsea players and not comment about anyone else.”
