Chelsea confirms purchase of Bundesliga top scorer

Stamford Bridge team announced the purchase of striker Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.

"Nkunku wears blue," Chelsea captioned the video posted on Twitter afternoon of June 23. Not long after, the English team posted a photo with the caption: "Welcome Nkunku".

According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea reached a personal agreement with Nkunku in December 2022. The English team also agreed to pay $67 million to activate the contract termination clause between the French striker and RB Leipzig.

Nkunku made his Chelsea debut at Cobham on June 23. Photo: chelseafc.com — Nkunku made his Chelsea debut at Cobham on June 23. Photo: *chelseafc.com*

Nkunku is delighted to be joining Chelsea. The 25-year-old striker is eager to meet the coach, teammates and win over new fans. "I have played in Ligue 1 and Bundesliga," said Nkunku. "Now, I want to play in the Premier League. It is one of the strongest national championships in the world. I am very excited about this challenge and proud to be joining Chelsea."

Nkunku has been one of the best strikers in the world over the past two seasons, according to co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley. The $67 million striker will add quality, creativity and versatility to Chelsea's attack.

Nkunku finished the 2022-23 Bundesliga season with 16 goals and six assists. The 25-year-old striker had to deal with a long injury, but still managed to win the Golden Boot award alongside Niclas Fullkrug. Nkunku also helped RB Leipzig beat Frankfurt 2-0 in the German Cup final.

Nkunku was better last season, scoring 20 goals and providing 15 assists in the Bundesliga, taking his total to 35 goals and 20 assists in all competitions. Nkunku beat Robert Lewandowski to win the 2021-2022 Bundesliga Player of the Year award.

Nkunku celebrates his 70th goal for RB Leipzig last season. Photo: chelseafc.com — Nkunku celebrates his 70th goal for RB Leipzig last season. Photo: *chelseafc.com*

Nkunku missed the 2022 World Cup due to injury. Seven days before France's opening match, he collided with Edouardo Camavinga and hurt his knee. Coach Didier Deschamps had to replace Nkunku with Kolo Muani. But it was Muani who missed a golden opportunity in injury time of the final.

Last season, Chelsea scored only 38 goals in 38 matches and was one of the six teams with the lowest goalscoring in the Premier League. They therefore finished the 2022-2023 Premier League in 12th place. Next season, Nkunku and his teammates will not be able to participate in the European Cup.

Nkunku is Chelsea's first signing of the summer. In return, the club has released Tiemoue Bakayoko and N'Golo Kante. They have also agreed to sell Mateo Kovacic to Man City and Kai Havertz to Arsenal.

Thanh Quy (according to Daily Mail, Twitter )

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