Chelsea insiders feel £53m new arrival could end pursuit of striker target ‘preferred’ by Man Utd
According to reports, Chelsea insiders are of the belief that Christopher Nkunku ‘can play as a number 9’ so they may not sign a striker this summer.
Fabrizio Romano reported last December that Nkunku’s move to Chelsea is “signed and sealed” ahead of this summer. He added that the Germany international will “start” in the Premier League “from July 2023”.
This £53m transfer was later confirmed by RB Leipzig director Max Eberl: “With Christopher Nkunku, unfortunately, things are quite clear with Chelsea FC.”
The 25-year-old has been in superb form for RB Leipzig this season. He has grabbed 22 goals and eight assists in his 35 appearances across all competitions.
Nkunku has often been operated as a second striker this term but he is also capable of playing on either flank.
Mauricio Pochettino was confirmed as Chelsea’s new manager on Monday afternoon and one of his priorities will be to find a way of ending their woes in front of goal. During the 22/23 campaign, the Blues only scored 38 goals in their 38 Premier League games.
A report from The Guardian claims Chelsea are ‘interested’ in Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez.
But it is pointed out that Chelsea are ‘determined not to panic’ and they feel that Nkunku can be one solution for their goalscoring troubles.
‘One of Pochettino’s main challenges will be improving his team’s ruthlessness. Chelsea, who scored 38 league goals this season, are interested in the Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and the Internazionale forward Lautaro Martinez. Pochettino will need to work out what to do with Romelu Lukaku when the striker’s loan at Inter ends.
‘However, Chelsea are determined not to panic in their search. They believe Christopher Nkunku, who is due to join from RB Leipzig, can play as a No 9.
‘One view is the team can succeed by sharing the goals around. Brighton scored 72 league goals this season but only one of their players hit double figures.
‘Chelsea do not intend a repeat of the frenzied spending of the past two windows.’
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Osimhen has scored 25 league goals this season as he has helped Napoli win the Serie A title with relative ease.
The Nigeria international is being heavily linked with a move to the Premier League and he is admired by Man Utd.
The Red Devils are also keen on Harry Kane, but Spanish outlet Fichajes are reporting that the Premier League giants would ‘prefer to bet on the Napoli striker’.
Napoli are ‘demanding at least 100 million euros for the 24-year-old’ and Erik ten Hag is the ‘main supporter’ of his arrival at Old Trafford.
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