Goals, assists, versatility: why Chelsea want to sign Christopher Nkunku

The transfer window closed a little over a month ago and Chelsea are already making moves in the market for next year. It’s rarely straightforward with Chelsea, who relieved Thomas Tuchel of his duties after spending a record £266m in the summer window, but the decision to move early for Christopher Nkunku is one that should excite supporters.

Chelsea have had mixed fortunes when signing players from the Bundesliga in recent years. They bought Timo Werner from RB Leipzig for £50m in 2020 only to sell him back to the German club for half that price this summer; and Kai Havertz, who also joined in the summer of 2020, has not always made the impact supporters would have expected. The hope is that Nkunku will buck that trend. A deal has not yet been confirmed but Chelsea are trying to avoid the possibility of missing out on the France international by outlining their intentions early.

Nkunku put pen to paper on a two-year contract extension with RB Leipzig earlier this year, which contains a £52.8m release clause. Chelsea want to finalise a pre-contract agreement with Nkunku now to avoid a scramble for his services next summer. They are willing to match his release clause – or even better it.

RB Leipzig have made a slow start to the season. They are 11th in the 18-team Bundesliga following three wins, two draws and three defeats in their first eight games. Nkunku, though, has been a bright spot. He has scored six goals in their eight games, an impressive return for a side that ranks ninth for chances created per game (9.6) in the Bundesliga this season.

Nkunku has been directly involved in 39 league goals since the start of last season, scoring 26 times in that period. He is one of only five players to have registered double