Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig for a reported £52million deal.
The Blues were said to have agreed personal terms with the 25-year-old since last season. They have now announced the signing, with the France international signing a six-year contract, which will begin on 1 July.
Nkunku joins the Stamford Bridge club as one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in Europe after enjoying much success in Leipzig.
The Frenchman scored 35 goals in all competitions during the 2021/22 campaign and was named Bundesliga Player of the Season and German PFA Player of the Season. It was his performance that season that made Chelsea sign him.
Although this season was less impressive for Nkunku after he suffered an injury, he still managed to score 23 goals to help Leipzig secure a third-place finish in the Bundesliga and retain the DFB-Pokal.
Speaking to the club’s official website after joining, Nkunku stated that he’s excited to be playing in the Premier League, having tasted Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.
“I am incredibly happy to be joining Chelsea,” Nkunku said.
“A big effort was made to bring me to the club, and I am looking forward to meeting my new coach and teammates 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.”
Nkunku is a Blue! 🔵 pic.twitter.com/NASfDOG0Xg
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 20, 2023
Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, said: “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.”
Nkunku is Chelsea’s second signing this summer after signing 16-year-old midfielder Kendry Paez from Independiente del Valle for £17.27million. However, the Ecuadorian teenager will not join the club until 2025, when he turns 18.
