Chelsea are on track to complete the transfer of RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku for €60M release clause per Fabrizio Romano.
According to the journalist, Chelsea did their due diligence this summer by simply setting up a medical to run some tests by the French International. Fabrizio Romano doubled down on the breaking story when reporters like Julien Laurens from ESPN tried to come out & deny that it was linked to Chelsea.
As you can see below, Nkunku has a really nice and healthy body as his injury history is clean. The fact that his medical is so spotless leads me to believe Fabrizio, the story seems specific enough that his plug could be the Chelsea hierarchy or Todd Boehly.
Christopher Nkunku Injury History
Source – Transfermarkt.com
RB Leipzig showed ambition by convincing Christoper Nkunku to stay at the club after a historic season individual campaign winning the Bundesliga POTS. Nkunku is led by one of the most experienced agents in world football Pini Zahavi.. (also got his other main client Robert Lewandowksi a big Barcelona move he wanted).
The €60M release clause added by the player and agent showed to me an intent to perhaps look for his next club after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
His brilliant run in the 2021/2022 season was topped off by winning the DFB Pokal, so it’s understandable he was probably advised to stay another season with Leipzig.
Nkunku could carry on top performances at Leipzig in the run up to Qatar, while he was already breaking into Deschamps French side & getting minutes. Fast forward to October, Leipzig are currently standing at 10th in the Bundesliga after sacking Domenico Tedesco.
It’s not surprising that his move now is materializing quicker than expected, his status is really rising within world football & he join more prestigious clubs.
Christoper Nkunku, 24 years old, France
Positions : LF, AM, CF, SS, F9
Traits & Attributes – IQ, linkup, creativity, work-rate, tech.
Nkunku has the complete package for me. His versatility is something that Graham Potter could really get the best out of, as he has a very good skill-set and profile for the modern game.
The main positions I have seen Nkunku play as is the LF in a 3-4-2-1, or uptop in many 2 ST variations. Potter will be able to be really flexible with Christopher, and that’s something I think he’ll appreciate.
The gaffer is also known for complex pressing from the front, and Nkunku is one of the best for off the ball movement and intense PnP workrate.
I don’t envision him being used as a midfielder or wide wingback, however I could certainly be wrong. If Nkunku continues in this trajectory I can see a player that puts up numbers that us fans haven’t seen from a forward here in recent memory.
Chelsea are craving for goals from attack :
Nkunku is the spark I think we need, he’s the type of player that is eager to be on FKs or penalties. He has the desire to produce G/A in the modern game. Nkunku’s past history intrigues me & is one of the main reasons I really want him at the club.
I see something different in him compared to other players his age. He was a young talent at PSG, but when he left it was to prove himself and get more playing time. The sense I get is that he has been playing for his life all this time, finally getting the chance to represent France and other achievements.
I don’t see that motivation going away either, unlike with others that could get complacent from having the world at their feet as a teenager or hyped from a young age. It was evident that he always had potential, but the process really accelerated with his breakout season after leaving PSG to challenge himself.
For me his form the past 12 months or so is not only a reflection of his natural ability and finishing, but also his determination, motivation that I want to see at Chelsea.
I believe he could have the killer mentality that us fans desperately want to see from our forwards.
Market Value Over Time – Transfermarkt
Transfer Grade : Nkunku €60M release clause = A
Some would argue that it could be even more & closer to €100M in this modern market.
His wages should fit nicely within our wage structure, possibly for 6-7 years like we’ve seen lately with Reece James, Marc Cucurella and Wesley Fofana. Nkunku showcasing his untapped potential makes this signing really fascinating to me because I believe he hasn’t even played his best football yet.
He’s on the rise and it would be really cool to see him become a superstar at Chelsea, I truly believe he could do it too. Understandably there is skepticism in the fanbase about any Bundesliga product, but my argument for Nkunku is that he deserves to be judged as an individual profile.
Regarding comparisons or fears that he’s similar to Timo Werner (both from Leipzig, score goals etc) I just don’t think they are accurate at all.
Nkunku has creativity, tech, dribbling that Timo Werner does not have in his locker along with a really good sense of the game, instincts and football IQ.
If Christopher Nkunku has a full preseason at Chelsea and has the proper opportunity I’ll predict that he can produce 20G 10A in all comps in 2023/2024!
