Maresca confirms Chelsea's Nkunku transfer plan

Tom Weber

Updated: 28 Nov 2024 10:12 GMT
3 min read

Christopher Nkunku, Chelsea, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has rubbished suggestions that Christopher Nkunku could leave the club in January.

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The Frenchman continues to be the subject of rampant transfer speculation. Nkunku is struggling for regular minutes in the Premier League and is said to be unhappy about this state of affairs.

Despite being a regular in Chelsea's 'B Team' - the side that plays cup competitions and in the Conference League - the ambitious striker is frustrated with his lack of chances in more meaningful games against high-profile opposition.

This has given rise to rumours that he could depart the club as early as January and while this has always seemed somewhat unlikely, the speculation is persistent and will not go away as long as he remains just a luxury substitute in the Premier League.

Man Utd have been heavily linked with the 27-year-old, but Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has now given his view of things.

Maresca rules out Nkunku exit

Speaking to the media ahead of Chelsea's Conference League clash with Heidenheim, the Italian insisted that Nkunku was 'absolutely' not for sale. "Not at all," Maresca said when asked whether Nkunku is unhappy. "I spoke with Christo days ago, he did not say he is not happy.

"Absolutely [he is not for sale], yes. The problem with Christo, not the problem but the same issue we have mentioned many times; if you play with Cole [Palmer], Joao [Felix], Christo, Jadon [Sancho] or Noni [Madueke] - who is defending? Their skill is not defending. The last game, we tried with Joao and Cole together.

"Probably the best moment for Christo with us has been in pre-season, playing in his position. Since we started, he is playing as a nine for us. Against [Man] City, he played as a winger; knowing this is not his best position. His best position is as a 10 but Cole is playing there. We need balance."