Football

Premier League Transfers: Chelsea confirm capture of £52m French attacker

June 20, 2023 11:48 am

Todd Boehly Chelsea
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly during the Champions League match match at Stamford Bridge, London. – Photo by Icon sport

Big-spending Chelsea have announced the signing of one of football’s most sought-after attackers in a £52m move that the Blues hope will revitalise their goal-shy frontline.

Christopher Nkunku, who arrives from German outfit RB Leipzig, initially signed a pre-contract agreement with Chelsea back in October 2022, though the Blues have today confirmed his move through an official club statement.

The French international has penned terms on a lucrative six-year deal with the Londoners and he will officially become a Chelsea player on July 1st.

“Incredibly happy” Nkunku can’t wait to get going

In a brief interview published on Chelsea’s website, Nkunku said: “I am incredibly happy to be joining Chelsea.”

“A big effort was made to bring me to the club and I am looking forward to meeting my new coach and team-mates and showing the Chelsea supporters what I can do on the pitch.

“Having played in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, I now want to play in the Premier League, one of the strongest leagues in the world. I am very excited for this challenge and will be proud to wear the Chelsea shirt.”

Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, also had their say on the club’s latest move, saying: “Christopher has proved himself one of the standout attacking players in European football over the past two seasons and will add quality, creativity and versatility to our squad.

“He has demonstrated his ability at the highest level with RB Leipzig and France and we look forward to him joining up with his new teammates ahead of the new season.”

Busy transfer window in store for Chelsea

Christopher Nkunku is already Chelsea’s second summer signing after their capture of highly-regarded Ecuadorian wonderkid Kendry Paez, whose signature was secured in a £17.27m deal with Independiente del Valle. The teenager will move to London when he turns 18 in two years.

However, potential outgoings from Stamford Bridge have been attracting the most attention of late with a long list of current Blues lined up for moves away from the club.

Stalwart N’Golo Kante is just one step away from sealing a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad on a free transfer and the 32-year-old is among a clutch of Chelsea stars in discussions with clubs from the nation’s Pro League in the Middle East.

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy is locked in talks with Al Ahli, while Ivorian centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly is on the verge of a switch to Al Hilal – the same club that recently acquired the services of Wolves captain Ruben Neves.

Elsewhere, Hakim Ziyech is working on a deal with Cristiano Ronaldo’s employers Al Nassr with personal terms close to being ironed out for the Moroccan winger.

Several Saudi Arabian sides also had their eyes on out-of-favour striker Romelu Lukaku, though the Belgian international, who spent last season on loan with Inter Milan, has so far knocked back attempts to sign him.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang had also been lined up by the cash-rich Saudis, though the Gabonese attacker seems reluctant to trade European football for the Pro League at present.

Away from Saudi Arabian shopping sprees, Chelsea and Manchester United continue to work through a deal to move the midfielder to Old Trafford in a deal that could cost the Red Devils as much as £55m.

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