Christopher Nkunku receives a three-word message from the RB Leipzig chief while Chelsea waits for the £53 million confirmation.

Max Eberl

Following his fantastic performances for RB Leipzig, Christopher Nkunku’s signing by Chelsea in January will make them grateful they did.

When asked if Christopher Nkunku will join Chelsea after the DFB-Pokal final, RB Leipzig sporting director Max Eberl was circumspect. The 25-year-old forward reportedly inked a pre-contract agreement to join the Blues this summer, but a few issues must be resolved before his transfer can be officially announced.

The west Londoners have reportedly been sending scouts to monitor Nkunku over the past few years, and they have been quite impressed, according to football.london.

The RB Leipzig player, along with Niclas Fullkrug, won the Bundesliga golden boot after scoring 16 goals despite missing two months of the season.

The release clause in the France international’s contract, which goes into effect this summer, is reportedly already paid by Chelsea. Nkunku is reportedly interested in moving to Stamford Bridge and was pleased with the way the Blues handled the contract discussions.

Both clubs have not yet acknowledged or denied where the Frenchman will play football next season, even though the summer transfer window opens at the end of this month. Eberl predicted that Nkunku would sign with Chelsea in January. In his words to BILD, “The signs are very, very clear that he’s moving to Chelsea.”

Then, after Nkunku scored a goal and added an assist in the DFB-Pokal final, Eberl was once more questioned about the forward joining the Blues. According to Sky Sports Germany, he responded, “He could be.”

This summer, it’s been reported that Chelsea will be looking for a new striker. They’re also “determined,” according to The Guardian, to take their time finding a talisman since they think Nkunku could lead the line with sufficient authority.

Despite the fact that Kai Havertz hasn’t exactly been successful in the past, the widespread perception at Cobham is that the team can all contribute goals. Over the years, Nkunku has thrived in a flexible role at the Red Bull Arena, playing as a center-forward, offensive midfielder, and occasionally as a winger.

Although his adaptability in the last third is a great plus, there are worries that he is ‘position-less’ and needs a free pass to wander. In an earlier interview with Football Manager, Nkunku put an end to the controversy.

According to him, 28% of FM players use him as an offensive midfielder. Nkunku responded, when questioned about the statistic, “I think that’s a position that suits me well. Behind a striker and close to the goal. I feel like that accurately characterizes me as a player, hence I enjoy playing this role constantly.