Liverpool were said to be interested in signing Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig in 2023 as Jürgen Klopp aims to improve his attack.
That was according to Fussball Transfers in Germany, with the Reds keen to sign the France international from the Bundesliga in addition to Jude Bellingham.
Now, however, Liverpool will have to look elsewhere in terms of attacking reinforcements.
What’s the story?
Well, Chelsea have now officially completed the signing of Nkunku – according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues have wrapped up a deal to sign the Frenchman from July 2023.
Romano does not mention a fee, although the Guardian believe Chelsea were able to beat Liverpool to the deal as they paid slightly above his £52m release clause.
You can see what the reliable Italian journalist tweeted in full below.
Nkunku earns his move to Stamford Bridge after a stunning 2021/22 campaign, in which he remarkably scored 35 goals and provided 20 assists in 52 appearances for RB Leipzig.
So far this season, the 25-year-old has scored 17 goals in 23 appearances, which earned him a call-up to the France World Cup squad.
Sadly, Nkunku was forced to withdraw after injuring his knee just before the start of the tournament, and if France go on to beat Argentina in the World Cup final on Sunday, he will be devastated to have missed out.
It is a necessary signing for Chelsea, as Graham Potter has just lost Armando Broja for possibly up to 12 months after the Albanian damaged his anterior cruciate ligament in a recent friendly against Aston Villa.
Christopher Nkunku profile as Liverpool miss out
Full name: Christopher Alan Nkunku
Age: 25
Date of birth: 14th November 1997
Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Nationality: France
Place of birth: Lagny-sur-Marne, France
Club: RB Leipzig (Chelsea from July 2023)
Position: Forward
Salary: £124,000-a-week
Net worth: £5.2m
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