Chelsea unwilling to sanction sale of 10-goal star to Premier League rival

Christopher Nkunku is keen to leave Chelsea in January over lack of game time in the Premier League

There has been speculation surrounding the future of Christopher Nkunku at Chelsea in recent weeks.

The Frenchman, who arrived at Stamford Bridge from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023, is unhappy about his situation under new boss Enzo Maresca. Since Maresca succeeded Mauricio Pochettino, the 27-year-old found most of his playing time in the UEFA Europa Conference League and EFL Cup.

Christopher Nkunku has scored 10 times already this season, but only one of those strikes have come in the Premier League—a late winner away at Bournemouth. The versatile forward’s minutes in the Premier League have been limited as well, with just one start to his name. This has fuelled frustration from the player over the lack of starting opportunities in the Premier League.

As per reports, Manchester United have emerged as a surprise destination for Nkunku in January. They have enquired about the forward ahead of a potential move during the winter window. The France international is not content with his squad role under Maresca and could demand a move away from Chelsea as soon as January if he can’t break into the first team.

However, according to a report from Football Insider, Chelsea are reluctant to part ways with Nkunku midway through the season amid Man United’s interest.

Maresca has been tasked with rebuilding the squad and he has done a fantastic job in the early months of the campaign, guiding the Blues to third in the table. The Italian tactician has been clear that he wants to keep his squad together after massive changes over the summer transfer window.

Nicolas Jackson has cemented his spot as Chelsea’s first-choice striker. He has performed well, scoring six goals in 11 Premier League appearances. The Senegalese’s good form has restricted Nkunku from playing a backup role. Despite this, the aforementioned report adds Maresca highly values Nkunku’s vital contributions and sees him as just ‘one injury away’ from starting for the club.

For a young manager like Maresca into his first season at the club, he will want to keep the squad together and motivate all the players to perform at the best of their abilities every single game. Nkunku’s position is frustrating and understandably so, as he expects to be valued more than just cameo appearances in the Premier League. A player of his quality and ability deserves to start games in the league, but currently, Jackson is performing well as the leader of the attack.

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With games set to come thick and fast after the end of November’s international break, Nkunku is expected to get opportunities in the Premier League and that is when the France international will have to prove himself to the gaffer.