Chelsea are reportedly hopeful of landing French attacker Christopher Nkunku ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
According to 90min, Premier League giants Chelsea remain hopeful that they can conclude a deal for French attacker Christopher Nkunku ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar this November.
The 24-year-old is one of the Bundesliga’s most sought-after attackers following a prolific 2021/22 season. Nkunku was the star man for the German giants, scoring 35 goals and assisting 20 more in 52 appearances across all competitions.
The French attacker has carried over his fine form to the current campaign, scoring 12 goals and one assist in 18 games. It is fair to say that Nkunku is proving himself to be anything but a one-season wonder.
Capable of playing across several roles in the attack and midfield, the 24-year-old brings much dynamism to both club and country. Chelsea currently lack a player who provides the same cutting-edge, and one can see why the Blues are keen on landing the Leipzig man.
Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is keen to get the transfer business rolling and appears intent on making a splash in the market. Nkunku is a major star on his radar and had already completed a medical last summer ahead of a potential move to Stamford Bridge in 2023.
Nkunku has a rather reasonable £58 million release clause that becomes active in the summer of 2023. However, the amount has to be paid upfront, and it is something that Chelsea are keen to avoid. While the Londoners are ready to pay a bigger amount, they are keen to structure the deal over multiple payments.
Having already agreed on personal terms with the attacker, Chelsea remain hopeful that the deal can be concluded before the World Cup kicks off in November. A strong showing for defending champions France in Qatar will only see more clubs join the fray, and it is understandable why Chelsea are keen to wrap up the move quickly.
Chelsea have several players who can do a job upfront. But none of them have performed as per expectations. Kai Havertz has been more of a miss than a hit, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been underwhelming.
Raheem Sterling started the season well but has been woefully inconsistent since. Add to it the enigmatic form of Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic, and it is clear to see that the Blues lack serious firepower upfront. Nkunku’s ability to function in a fluid frontline largely accounts for that deficiency.
Chelsea will need more than one player to pose a formidable challenge to the best sides in Europe. Landing Nkunku will not just be a masterstroke of a signing but also a statement that the new owners mean business.
