- New Chelsea Signing Christopher Nkunku Will Be Out For At Least 16 Weeks
- A Look At 3 Players They Could Bring In To Replace The Frenchman
Chelsea confirmed on Tuesday that forward Christopher Nkunku will be out till December after picking up a knee injury against Liverpool. The Frenchman left the pitch early in Chelsea’s last pre-season match against Borussia Dortmund last week, and his injury news is a huge blow for Mauricio Pochettino.
Reporter Fabrizio Romano has stated that Nkunku’s injury could affect Chelsea’s transfer plans, as they might consider bringing in a replacement.
Let’s look at 3 solid and relatively cheap options for Chelsea in this transfer window.
Pedro Gonçalves
The man Sporting Lisbon signed to replace Bruno Fernandes. A technical player with excellent vision and an enviable finishing. Pedro Gonçalves is a top attacker, and he has been impressive for Sporting since joining the club from FC Famalicao. Since joining Sporting Lisbon in 2020, Gonçalves has scored 46 league goals.
Last season, in 33 league appearances, he scored 15 league goals and registered 12 assists. The Portuguese finished the campaign with 20 goals and 15 assists in all competitions.
Chelsea signed Christopher Nkunku to bring more effectiveness to Chelsea’s attack because of his excellent finishing technique and movement, which was already on show during Chelsea’s tour of the US. Gonçalves has a similar profile, with better passing and impressive finishing. Gonçalves’s market value is reportedly around €45m
Mohammed Kudus
Mohammed Kudus is also an excellent option for Chelsea. Although Brighton have agreed a fee with Ajax to sign Kudus, the forward is reportedly unsure about signing for Brighton without a release clause.
Kudus would do a good job replacing Nkunku, and also as competition for a spot on the right wing with Madueke when Nkunku returns. The Ajax man is a technically gifted attacker who scored 11 times for Ajax last season despite their form. Mohammed Kudus is valued around €45m by Ajax
Michael Olise
Chelsea have already started working on signing their former Academy player. Olise has been a revelation since he joined Crystal Palace from Reading in 2021.
The Blues are reportedly ready to pay the 21-year-old’s release clause (£35m), but the problem is the Crystal Palace forward is also currently injured. Olise has what it takes to be Chelsea’s main attacking midfielder. Last season, he registered 11 assists in the Premier League, scoring twice.
He might not be a good goalscorer like Nkunku, but Olise has incredible vision, and a matured decision-making in the final third, and that is why Chelsea are already targetting him.
