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Football London
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Luke Thrower

Pep Guardiola gives Christopher Nkunku Champions League verdict amid Chelsea transfer agreement

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has given his thoughts on RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku ahead of their clash in the Champions League on Tuesday night. The tie is finely poised after the first leg - which ended 1-1 - with plenty to play for as the quarter-finals are up for grabs.

One of those two sides will face Chelsea, who already booked their place in the final eight with a comeback victory over Borussia Dortmund. With the draw later this week, the Blues could come up against Nkunku if he guides his side through to the next round of the competition.

The French forward looks set to join the west London outfit this summer after reports stated there was already an agreement in place with Leipzig over a move. Nkunku is also said to have signed a contract that will make him a Chelsea player as of the opening of the summer transfer window.

READ MORE: Todd Boehly handed £50m transfer windfall chance as Chelsea confirmed for FIFA competition

While the 25-year-old has impressed across the whole front line, there will be question marks as to whether that will translate well to the Premier League. The past two signings from the Bundesliga haven't panned out as many would have expected, creating doubts over the move.

However, Nkunku has the chance to prove those doubters wrong if he can perform well against current English champions City at the Etihad Stadium. Guardiola has given his assessment of the striker ahead of the game, giving a glowing review of his skillset and perhaps an endorsement to Chelsea for their transfer business.

He told Man City's official website: "Nkunku is exceptional player but they live this season without him and do it really well without him." It remains to be seen if the transfer will work in Chelsea's favour from the summer onwards, but fans can get a glimpse of him in Champions League action against league rivals.

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