“I have this ability” – Christopher Nkunku sends Mauricio Pochettino message ahead of summer Chelsea arrival

Christopher Nkunku has named his preferred position ahead of joining Chelsea this summer.

The 25-year-old will make the switch from RB Leipzig to Chelsea next month after an agreement was reached between the clubs during the 2022/23 campaign for the France international.

Chelsea will pay in excess of Nkunku’s £52.7 million release clause as they bolster their attacking options under newly-appointed head coach Mauricio Pochettino.

Nkunku is currently away with the France national team for their EURO 2024 qualifiers against Greece and Gibraltar this month. He refused to be drawn on his transfer which will be announced once the international games have been played.

He told reporters: “I am focused on gathering with Les Bleus. Everything that happens after, we will have time to think.”

Nkunku finished the 2022/23 campaign as the joint-top goalscorer in the Bundesliga with 16 goals despite missing nine games due to injury.

Goals were a problem for Chelsea last season. They only managed 38 goals in the whole of their dismal league campaign, which saw them finish in 12th in the Premier League.

Chelsea will hope Nkunku can help solve their attacking issues in front of goal, under the tutelage of Pochettino, who has been told by the forward where his preferred position is.

In response to his favourite area on the pitch, the current RB Leipzig star said: “I play where the coach decides. I don’t want to be a problem but a solution. But I can be in front, in support or on the sides. I have this ability to adapt it – I like to be free.”

With Nkunku’s move not yet officially confirmed, national teammate Wesley Fofana has backed the potential transfer to Stamford Bridge.

“I hope he comes and plays for us,” Fofana told Telefoot.

“He would be a very good signing.”