Nkunku sends Pochettino message on number 9 position ahead of Chelsea move

FOOTBALL Nkunku sends Pochettino message on number 9 position ahead of Chelsea move

Mark Kinyanjui 13:52 - 05.06.2023

The Frenchman is widely expected to join Chelsea this summer.

Chelsea-bound attacking midfielder Christopher Nkunku signed off his time at RB Leipzig with a goal and an assist to help the German outfit beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-0 and lift the DFB-Pokal in his final appearance for the club.

Numerous reports understand the Frenchman has already signed a pre-contract agreement ahead of a summer move to join Chelsea.

An announcement regarding Nkunku's arrival could be confirmed in the coming days after the 25-year-old played his final game for Leipzig.

New Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino is believed to want to sign a new striker - along with a central midfielder and goalkeeper - this summer, despite the imminent arrival of Nkunku.

The France international has operated in a number 9 role for Leipzig at times this season - scoring a total of 23 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions. 

Raheem Sterling and Kai Havertz were Chelsea's joint-top goal scorers last season - netting just nine times each - highlighting the need for a clinical forward at Stamford Bridge.

Nkunku picked up the Bundesliga Golden Boot award for his 16 goals in the German top flight despite missing a significant amount of the season through injury. 

The Frenchman has proved he can consistently score goals and his arrival in West London will come as a huge boost for Pochettino and the team.

The Argentine will be excited by the prospect of working with Nkunku, especially considering the way the 25-year-old has ended the season after recovering from injury. 

Nkunku has registered 10 goal contributions in his final seven games across all competitions for Leipzig - only failing to score or assist in one of those fixtures.

The France international is set to arrive at Stamford Bridge in brilliant form and Pochettino will hope that he can quickly adapt to his play style and ideas to continue his goal-scoring success. 

As the Argentine manager continues to search for a new striker, it could spell the end for Kai Havertz who has been linked with a surprise move to Real Madrid this summer.

The Blues are set to trigger Nkunku's £52 million release clause with an announcement from the club expected this month as the summer transfer window officially opening on June 14.