Since reports first suggested that Christopher Nkunku had agreed to become a Chelsea player the club have won just six games. It is a story that explains much of why the deal is yet to be officially announced.
The player, who was out with injury at the time after missing the World Cup due to a heartbreaking late setback on the eve of the tournament, has not been in the position to cut ties with RB Leipzig. After four years at the club it would be harsh to break free during the middle of the season.
Even so, it quickly became public knowledge that Chelsea had found a pre-agreement to sign him just weeks after the summer transfer window ended. Under Thomas Tuchel they pressed to make a move last year only to find him committing his future to the German side until 2026.
That soon emerged as somewhat of a smokescreen as initial medical checks were carried out in Germany while Tuchel was still in charge. By Graham Potter's appointment Nkunku was all but a Chelsea player ahead of time. Since then much has happened but as of yet no announcement has been made and another new head coach has come through the door.
That Nkunku has been able to once again put up unmatched levels of output in Bundesliga despite his injury lay-off, future away from Leipzig and continued uncertainty of who he would be working under come the 2023/24 season at Stamford Bridge, explains why Chelsea were so keen to reach a deal for £52 million ($65m).
Of players with over 1,500 minutes in the league in Germany nobody came close to matching his goals per90 metrics of 0.76. With 0.95 goals and assists per90 he was top of the charts again on that matter with only Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (1,112 minutes) coming close to that level of consistency.
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In a league whereby it is easier to pad out stats he still scored more than two times as many league goals as Chelsea's top scorer Kai Havertz despite playing over 800 minutes less. For Mauricio Pochettino to already have this type of production demon coming to his services having not played a role in the recruitment is one of the big boosts of entering the job this summer.
However, with the season over, Pochettino finally confirmed as the new head coach and transfer business underway, Nkunku is still yet to be displayed to his new fans. Apparent hints, messages of goodbye and all the formalities have been done on social media, Leipzig's own directors have all but admitted it is a done deal.
For Chelsea, they still wait to make it public, but there are no issues at stake. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has allayed any lingering worries for fans, writing: "No changes, no issues or no problems on Christopher Nkunku deal.
"Understand Chelsea originally agreed with RB Leipzig to announce Nkunku after his final games of the season with France (June 19). Medical done in September (!), contract signed in December."
Nkunku is currently away with his country at the Clairefontaine training base on the outskirts of Paris and is preparing for matches against Gibraltar and Greece. Speaking on duty for his country, less than two weeks after winning the German cup, he opened up on the Chelsea 'secret': "I am focused on gathering with Les Bleus. Everything that happens after, we will have time to think," he said.
"I play where the coach decides. I don’t want to be a problem but a solution," he added. "But I can be in front, in support or on the sides. I have this ability to adapt it - I like to be free."
Chelsea and France defender Wesley Fofana also offered his take on the move. "If it happens, I’m very happy," he said. "He has enormous qualities. It would be pure happiness to have him with us."
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