Chelsea has confirmed the signing of RB Leipzig midfielder Christopher Nkunku for £52m. Chelsea reportedly offered to pay more than the 25-year-old’s €60 million release clause, which went into force this summer, but it now seems that they have decided to pay that price.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be joining Chelsea. I am excited to meet my new coach and teammates and demonstrate my abilities on the pitch to the Chelsea fans after a lot of effort was put into getting me to the club,” Christopher Nkunku said after completing his move. “After participating in the Bundesliga and Ligue 1, I now want to compete in the Premier League, one of the world’s top leagues. This endeavor has me really pumped, and I’ll be honored to represent Chelsea while doing it.”
Nkunku, who made 25 appearances for the Bundesliga this season and registered 16 goals and six assists, may take the field at No. 10 as a center-forward. After purchasing midfielder Kendry Paez, 16, of Ecuador from Independiente del Valle for €20 million (£17.27 million), Nkunku is Chelsea’s second acquisition of the summer. After turning 18 in 2025, he won’t be able to join the group.
“Over the last two seasons, Christopher has established himself as one of the finest attacking players in European football. He will improve our team’s talent, inventiveness, and adaptability,” Chelsea sporting director Laurence Stewart said. “We are eager for him to link up with his new colleagues ahead of the upcoming season since he has already proven his talent at the top level with RB Leipzig and France.”
Tottenham and Empoli have reached an agreement for the custodian Guglielmo Vicario to join the team. Spurs are anticipated to make a formal offer on Thursday, and Empoli has said they would accept it. In addition to the original €20 million price, the agreement also contains incentives.Italian player Guglielmo, 26, joined Empoli from Cagliari in 2021 and has since made 71 appearances for the club, originally on loan. David Raya, the custodian for Brentford, has drawn interest from Tottenham, although the club is hesitant to pay the £40 million asking price. Raya’s current contract expires in a year, and he is not expected to agree to a renewal. Hugo Lloris, Tottenham’s starter at the moment, has made it known that he wants to move on to a new challenge.
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