Chelsea are nearing a deal to sign RB Leipzig striker Christopher Nkunku after doing more than fulfilling his clause that will take effect next summer, according to reports.
The Frenchman became one of Europe’s most outstanding players last season after a brilliant campaign, and the Bundesliga side controlled keeping him this summer with a new contract, he can leave next year if his buyout clause is met.
And with that on the way, Mirror Football is taking a look at the winners and losers at Chelsea if Nkunku arrives at Stamford Bridge before next season.
Christian Pulisic has already discovered that life at Chelsea is difficult to maintain a normal starting position, something that has not helped with the addition of Raheem Sterling this summer. So far this campaign, the American winger has started just one of the Premier League’s seven games and has added 183 minutes of action this season.
However, Graham Potter has hinted that Pulisic can make a fresh start under his guidance this season, meaning with the Blues preparing for a busy schedule leading up to the World Cup in November, Nkunku’s arrival will likely end the only hopes. quite temporarily and I may still see him leave the club next summer.
What other winners and losers can there be from Christopher Nkunku’s transfer?Let us know what you think in the comments segment below.
Like Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech has also struggled to reach a normal starting position since joining Chelsea two years ago and has played only 4 times in all competitions so far this season, making 3 appearances on the bench.
The Morocco foreigner has earned many complaints about his time at Chelsea and given that he is already struggling to leave the bench at the moment, having been an unused replacement in five Premier League matches so far, things almost deserve to get worse. he if Nkunku arrived next summer.
Numerous reports have linked Kai Havertz to a departure from Chelsea next summer if he does not do so for the Blues this season, and the German striker was unable to produce the goods in attack at too many events at Stamford Bridge.
However, Nkunku has played behind the Leipzig striker this season, where Havertz performs best. Therefore, the arrival of the Frenchman can have a strong effect on his playing time. If Chelsea also buys another striker next summer, Havertz could be left without a figure in Chelsea’s starting line-up.
Mason Mount has already come under scrutiny this season after failing to score and create enough goals for Chelsea, with just one hand in nine games in all competitions. However, Nkunku’s arrival may be good news for him.
The Frenchman would be offering some other artistic option in attack and could help relieve Mount when it comes to scoring goals and assists. It will also allow Mount to play a deeper role and with his ability to play anywhere in midfield three, it shouldn’t be a challenge for him to slide into another position.
Raheem Sterling has made a positive start to his Chelsea career with four goals and a hand in his first nine appearances, but he has been one of the few positives for the Blues so far this season and, like Mount, may only do more by taking the strain on him to provide.
Nkunku’s ability to play as a momentary striker may also see Sterling return to his more natural position on the left, rather than having to play up front and become the main source of targets under Potter. While this would lead to more competition, having someone to help him take Chelsea forward could be good for the Englishman.
While this might be controversial, Armando Broja may also find that he benefits from Nkunku’s arrival. The youngster has had the opportunity to fight for a place in Chelsea’s first team this season, but has several players ahead of him in the pecking order.
As discussed above, signing Nkunku may be the end of Pulisic and Ziyech’s careers at Chelsea and thus pave the way for Broja to enter the first team more due to his ability to play widely as well. Array Should Sterling return to the team next season as well, then there would be a void up front for the Albanian.
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