da stake casino： One of football's worst-kept secrets has finally been brought out into the open, with the France forward signing a six-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

da bet7： Chelsea have finally got their man: Christopher Nkunku has signed a six-year deal with the club and will begin work at Cobham on July 1. It's a move that's been a long time coming, with the Blues agreeing a pre-contract with the 25-year-old late last year, and committing to paying RB Leipzig more than his £53 million ($68m) release clause to get the transfer done early. They'll hope he's worth the wait.

Despite the fact he has been an outstanding performer in the Bundesliga since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain, making 90 goal contributions in 119 appearances, Chelsea's decision to splurge yet more of their riches on attacking player will raise many an eyebrow.

So, where does Nkunku fit into the Blues' plans with Mauricio Pochettino set to begin work as manager? GOAL assesses their options below…

GettyA versatile option

It's unlikely that Chelsea have a clearly defined plan for where to play Nkunku. Indeed, a contract was agreed with him when Graham Potter was still in charge, and their interest dates back even further than that, so he certainly isn't a Pochettino signing or coming to play a bespoke role.

However, what's clear is that the player's adaptability and ability to play across the attack were attractive for the west London club. Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, said: "Christopher has proved himself one of the standout attacking players in European football over the past two seasons and will add quality, creativity and versatility to our squad."

But what are the roles he is capable of playing, and where would he fit best?

AdvertisementGetty ImagesNkunku's preferred position

Nkunku will begin work at Chelsea on the very same day as new head coach Pochettino, which may prove serendipitous for a player who may not have fitted as seamlessly into the back-three shape deployed by recent Blues managers.

The Argentine has always preferred the 4-2-3-1 formation, which would most likely accommodate Nkunku as a No.10 in attacking midfield or even higher up behind a central striker, with Enzo Fernandez and potentially Moises Caicedo behind him. The advanced midfield role is the France international's preferred position.

Speaking to earlier this year, he said: “I think that (attacking midfield) is a position that suits me well. Close to the goal behind a striker. That describes me as a player nicely so I always like playing in this role.”

GOALAn old school second striker

Although it's only a small positional shift, Nkunku is equally as comfortable and effective further up the pitch playing just off a striker. Indeed, despite preferring to play a bit deeper, he was most often deployed as an old school second striker in 2022-23, making 17 goal contributions in as many games there.

Indeed, the player himself is equally happy in that position. "I think that's a role that works for me, it reflects my play style," he said. "I sometimes prefer a role a bit closer to one of the forwards but I still enjoy playing in this area of the pitch."

A 5-3-2 shape, which was occasionally used by Potter during his short-lived tenure, would accommodate Nkunku slotting in there. Chelsea's main issue is they don't have a centre-forward for him to play off as it stands, with both Kai Havertz and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang seemingly heading for an exit, although young Villarreal forward Nicolas Jackson is a likely incoming transfer.

Getty'Solution' to Chelsea's goalscoring woes?

So, if Chelsea don't have a conventional, experienced No.9 for Nkunku to play alongside, could he be the man to play up top himself? Well, don't rule it out. It has been reported that Chelsea are determined not to panic in their search for a new striker, and there is a belief at Stamford Bridge that Nkunku can provide a short-term solution to what has been a long-term problem.

Leipzig manager Marco Rose regularly deployed the Frenchman up front at the back-end of 2022-23, and he produced the goods – scoring five times and laying on three more in just five games in that role. Indeed, this is a player who has never had issues finding the back of the net, with 70 goals to his name in 172 appearances for Die Roten Bullen.

Speaking earlier in June, Nkunku insisted he is ready and able to play there if required: "I play where the coach decides. I don’t want to be a problem but a solution. But I can be in front, in support or on the sides. I have this ability to adapt – I like to be free.”