France attacking midfielder, Christopher Nkunku, has spoken of his preferred role under Mauricio Pochettino as he braces up for a summer move to Chelsea.
The prolific RB Leipzig star is set for a summer switch to Premier League for next season’s campaign.
Futballnews understands RB Leipzig and Chelsea reached a pre-contract agreement worth £52m in 2022 to sign Christopher Nkunku at the end of the season.
After brokering a deal with the Bundesliga giants to land the prolific French midfielder, Chelsea did not confirm the deal sparking rumors Nkunku may not likely join the club.
However, RB Leipzig sporting director, Max Erbel confirmed to German outlet, BILD, Nkunku will be heading to Chelsea, saying “the signs are very clear” the move will happen.
We reported earlier, Christopher Nkunku took to his social media handle to bid farewell to RB Leipzig at the end of the just-concluded 2022/23 Bundesliga season.
Before agreeing terms with Chelsea to join the club in the summer, Nkunku renewed his contract with RB Leipzig, signing a new five-year contract.
The new contract agreement was seen as a ploy to deter interests from suitors, who were milling around the club to sign the prolific youngster.
However, the Blues broke the new contract barricade and broker the pre-contract agreement to sign the youngster after his outstanding Bundesliga campaign in the 2021/22 season.
Nkunku is currently on international duties with France and will join Chelsea this summer.
A lot has changed at Chelsea since the club reached agreement to sign him last year. Former Chelsea and current Bayern Munich manager, Thomas Tuchel was in charge of the club when Nkunku was signed.
Three managers, Graham Potter, Bruno Saltor, and Frank Lampard have been at the Blues’ dugout since then. Chelsea’s new manager, Mauricio Pochettino, will be expected to reshufflle and pick his squad for the big challenge at Stamford Bridge with Christopher Nkunku’s chances and role in the new dispensation under scrutiny.
Despite the uncertainties at Stamford Bridge surrounding players’ chances under Mauricio Pochettino, Christopher is confident of regular football with the Blues.
When asked on international duty about the role and position he will like to play at Chelsea, Nkunku said
“I play where the coach decides. I don’t want to be a problem but a solution.
“But I can be in front, in support or on the sides. I have this ability to adapt it – I like to be free.”
Nkunku emerged into the spotlights in 2021/22 season with RB Leipzig when he scored 20 goals and delivered 13 assists for RB Leipzig in 34 Bundesliga appearances.
In the just-concluded season, Nkunku has won the Bundesliga Golden Boot Award despite missing two months of action due to injury as he scored 16 goals for the club.
After international duty with France, the 25-year-old will touch down in London for a new chapter in his career with Chelsea. He agreed a five-year contract with the Blues worth £835,000 monthly and £195,000 weekly.
