English football club, Chelsea, has officially confirmed the signing of talented French forward Christopher Nkunku from Bundesliga club RB Leipzig. The transfer fee for Nkunku is reported to be a substantial £52 million. The player is set to join Chelsea on July 1 and has agreed to a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
This transfer follows recent reports indicating Chelsea's willingness to surpass Nkunku's €60 million release clause, which became active during this summer transfer window. The London-based club's efforts have paid off as they secured the signing of the 25-year-old forward.
Expressing his excitement about the move, Christopher Nkunku stated, "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 teammates and showcasing my abilities to the Chelsea supporters on the pitch." The French forward, who has previously played in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, expressed his eagerness to compete in the highly competitive Premier League, widely regarded as one of the strongest leagues in the world. Nkunku added, "I am very excited for this challenge and will be proud to wear the Chelsea shirt."
During the current season, Nkunku displayed impressive form for RB Leipzig, contributing with 16 goals and six assists in 25 Bundesliga appearances. Known for his versatility, he can play as a center forward or in the No. 10 position, offering additional options to Chelsea's attacking lineup.
Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea's co-sporting directors, also expressed their satisfaction with the acquisition of Nkunku, stating, "Christopher has consistently proven himself as one of the standout attacking players in European football over the past two seasons. His addition to our squad will bring quality, creativity, and versatility." They highlighted Nkunku's impressive performances at RB Leipzig and for the French national team, emphasizing their anticipation for him to integrate with his new teammates ahead of the upcoming season.
Nkunku marks Chelsea's second signing of the summer transfer window, following the acquisition of 16-year-old Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Paez from Independiente del Valle for a reported fee of €20 million (£17.27 million). However, Paez will not join the club until 2025, when he reaches the age of 18.