Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku after offering to more than match his release clause which kicks in next summer, according to reports.
The Frenchman became one of the hottest players in Europe last season following a scintillating campaign, and although the Bundesliga outfit managed to keep hold of him this summer with a new contract, he is allowed to leave next year if his release clause is matched.
And with that looking on course to happen, Mirror Football takes a look at the winners and losers at Chelsea should Nkunku arrive at Stamford Bridge ahead of next season.
Christian Pulisic - Loser
Christian Pulisic has already found life at Chelsea tough enough when trying to hold down a regular starting spot, which wasn’t helped by the addition of Raheem Sterling this summer. So far this campaign, the American winger has started just one of seven Premier League games and has totalled 183 minutes of action this season.
However, Graham Potter has hinted that Pulisic can have a fresh start under his stewardship this season, especially with the Blues preparing for a hectic schedule between now and the World Cup in November, although Nkunku’s arrival is likely to end those hopes rather quickly and could finally see him depart the club next summer.
What other winners and losers could there be from Christopher Nkunku's transfer? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Hakim Ziyech - Loser
Like Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech has also struggled to hold down a regular starting spot since moving to Chelsea two years ago and has featured just four times in all competitions so far this season, with three of those appearances coming from the bench.
The Moroccan international has received plenty of criticism during his time at Chelsea and considering he is already struggling to make it off the bench at the moment, having been an unused substitute in five Premier League games so far, things are almost certainly expected to get worse for him should Nkunku arrive next summer.
Kai Havertz - Loser
Plenty of reports have linked Kai Havertz with a Chelsea exit next summer if he fails to improve for the Blues this season, with the German attacker failing to produce the goods in attack on too many occasions whilst at Stamford Bridge.
However, Nkunku has often played behind the striker for Leipzig this season, which is where Havertz operates best. The Frenchman’s arrival could, therefore, severely impact his playing time. Should Chelsea also purchase another striker next summer, Havertz may be out of options in Chelsea’s starting lineup.
Mason Mount - Winner
Mason Mount has come under plenty of scrutiny this season already after failing to score and create enough goals for Chelsea, with just one assist to his name from nine games in all competitions. However, Nkunku’s arrival could well be good news for him.
The Frenchman would provide another creative option in attack and would be able to help take the pressure off Mount when it comes to registering goals and assists. It may also allow Mount to play a slightly deeper role and with his ability to play anywhere across the midfield three, it shouldn’t be a problem for him to slip into a slightly different position.
Raheem Sterling - Winner
Raheem Sterling has enjoyed a positive start to his Chelsea career with four goals and one assist from his first nine appearances, but he has been one of very few positives for the Blues so far this season and, like Mount, could do with someone else taking the pressure off him to provide.
Nkunku’s ability to play as a second striker could also see Sterling return to his more natural position out wide on the left, rather than having to play up front and become the main source of goals under Potter. Although it would provide added competition, having someone to help him carry Chelsea forward could work out well for the Englishman.
Armando Broja - Winner
While this could be slightly controversial, Armando Broja could also find that he benefits from Nkunku’s arrival. The youngster has been awarded the chance to fight for a place in Chelsea’s first team this season, but has a number of players ahead of him in the pecking order.
As aforementioned, Nkunku’s signing could be the end of Pulisic and Ziyech’s Chelsea careers and, as a result, would pave the way for Broja to come into the first team more frequently, due to his ability to also play out wide. Should Sterling return to the wing more frequently next season as well, then a vacancy up front is there to be filled for the Albanian.
