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Christopher Nkunku confirms his favourite position after Chelsea transfer

Christopher Nkunku agreed to join Chelsea last summer and saw his move confirmed this month; the France international has played primarily as a midfielder during his career but has been used as both a striker and winger at times.

By Tom Gott

Nkunku has made his feelings clear
Nkunku has made his feelings clear / Quality Sport Images/GettyImages
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New Chelsea signing Christopher Nkunku has admitted he prefers playing as a striker rather than a midfielder or winger.

The Frenchman, whose long-awaited move to Chelsea was confirmed this month, has played all across the pitch throughout his career - former Blues boss Thomas Tuchel used him at right-back at PSG - but it was Nkunku's performances as a second striker which saw Chelsea bring him in.

While many fans are expecting to see Nkunku play as a 10 behind an out-and-out striker, the 25-year-old has admitted his favourite area on the pitch lies elsewhere.

"My favourite position is striker," he told club media. "I have also played as a midfielder and these last years I played striker - I like this position.

"I want to be happy on the pitch and do some skills and protect my football."

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Chelsea are close to finalising a deal for a new striker, with Villarreal's Nicolas Jackson set to join for a fee of around £35m.

It is understood that interest remains in Napoli's Victor Osimhen, who has long been identified as Chelsea's top striker target, but his asking price of well over £100m has forced the Blues to consider other options.

Whether it's Jackson, Nkunku or anybody else who starts as Chelsea's striker next season remains to be seen, but the Blues' front line will undoubtedly look significantly different under Mauricio Pochettino as several disgruntled stars are expected to leave this summer.

Hakim Ziyech is close to joining Al Nassr and could be joined in Saudi Arabia by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, while Christian Pulisic has interest in Italy.

Mason Mount is an expensive target for Manchester United, who have not yet given up hope of signing the England international despite seeing three bids knocked back, the last of which was worth £55m.

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On this week's edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Toby Cudworth is joined by Graeme Bailey and Sean Walsh to discuss the latest transfer news. On the agenda is Arsenal's approach for Jurrien Timber, Kai Havertz and Declan Rice, the exodus of Chelsea players to Saudi Arabia, Moises Caicedo, Kyle Walker, Man Utd's goalkeeper plans & more!

If you can't see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!

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