First pictures of Christopher Nkunku in Chelsea shirt after £53m transfer from RB Leipzig

Christopher Nkunku has been pictured in a Chelsea shirt for the first time after his summer transfer was confirmed.

Chelsea completed the signing of the 25-year-old on a six-year contract until June 2029, which will begin on July 1, after agreeing to pay RB Leipzig in excess of his £52.7 million release clause.

Upon his arrival, which saw him become the first signing under Mauricio Pochettino, he admitted: “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.”

The signing of Nkunku comes as Chelsea overhaul their squad, with the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Kai Havertz, Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech all on the verge of departing.

Nkunku‘s long-awaited announcement was delayed to avoid distractions and came after his time with the France national team concluded in June.

Despite Chelsea’s new kit for the 2023/24 season not yet being unveiled, Nkunku has now been pictured for the first time in his new colours.

The arrival of the France international has pleased everyone at the club and Chelsea will hope his 16 Bundesliga goals in 2022-23 can be replicated in the Premier League.

Chelsea’s 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.”

Nkunku’s debut could come against Liverpool on August 13 when they host Jurgen Klopp’s side in their opening game of the 2023/24 season.