Chelsea confirmed the signing of French attacker Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig yesterday. The Blues activated his release clause, which is estimated to be worth £52 million, about a month ago. Hence they finally sealed his arrival yesterday.
Real Madrid lost their striker target Nkunku to Chelsea
Nkunku had a fantastic 2022/23 Bundesliga season, scoring 23 goal. He ended up as the top scorer in the Bundesliga with 16 goals. Naturally, the 25-year-old has many admirers, including Spanish powerhouse Real Madrid, according to Jorge C Picon. Indeed, Nkunku was one of the most popular alternatives at the Santiago Bernabeu to bolster their frontline ahead of the 2023/24 season. However, the Merengues were late to the table because Chelsea were quicker than them. Chelsea pushed to complete the signing of the French international at the beginning of the year before announcing the agreement earlier yesterday.
Nkunku, who signed a six-year contract with Chelsea, told the club’s official website:
“I am incredibly happy to be joining Chelsea. A lot of effort was put in to bring me to the club. And I am excited to meet my new coach and teammates, as well as show the Chelsea fans what I can do on the pitch.”
Nkunku might have been an excellent fit to Real Madrid’s attacking squad. Los Blancos encountered heavy blows this summer with the departures of Karim Benzema and Marco Asensio. Given his versatility to play all around across the frontline and the figures he has generated in recent seasons. Real Madrid lost a pure striking powerhouse. However Los Blancos had little chance of signing the 25-year-old because Chelsea were fast to finalise the deal.
Instead, Real Madrid chose Joselu from RCD Espanyol to fill the center-forward spot. In addition, they have also recalled Brahim Diaz from a three-year loan spell at AC Milan. The Merengues are keeping an eye on the position of PSG starlet Kylian Mbappe and could potentially make an offer for him if he wants to leave the French capital club this year.
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