Chelsea confirm signing of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.

The 25-year-old has penned a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge until June 2029.

Nkunku, who scored 16 league goals in 2022-23, arrives in west London after Chelsea struck a deal with the Bundesliga side towards the end of 2022, with the Blues paying more than his £52.7 million release clause.

He becomes the first signing of the Mauricio Pochettino era following his appointment earlier this month. 

On his arrival, Nkunku said: “I am incredibly happy to be joining Chelsea. A big effort was made to bring me to the club and I am looking forward to meeting my new coach and teammates and showing the Chelsea supporters what I can do on the pitch. 

“Having played in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga, I now want to play in the Premier League, one of the strongest leagues in the world. I am very excited for this challenge and will be proud to wear the Chelsea shirt.”

Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley added: “Christopher has proved himself one of the standout attacking players in European football over the past two seasons and will add quality, creativity and versatility to our squad.  

“He has demonstrated his ability at the highest level with RB Leipzig and France and we look forward to him joining up with his new teammates ahead of the new season.”