"The plan is to keep him," Maresca on Nkunku's future at Chelsea

Christopher Nkunku has been linked to a Chelsea exit in recent weeks as reports claimed that he is unhappy with his minutes under Enzo Maresca. Nkunku arrived at Chelsea from RB Leipzig last year, bringing with him a lot of excitement and high expectations, however, injury woes have impeded him from making an impact at Stamford Bridge.

Although minutes have increased in the current campaign, the forward has struggled for game time in the Premier League, with Maresca opting for him during cup matches instead. While being Chelsea's top scorer so far this season, Nkunku's last start in the league dates back to opening day when Chelsea were defeated by Man City by 2-0, as Nickolas Jackson has been preferred to lead the attack.

With his role at the club becoming more and more overshadowed, the 26-year-old was reportedly considering the option to leave in the January transfer window, as Man United were said to be among the interested clubs. Nevertheless, Chelsea boss Maresca spoke up on Nkunku's situation at the club, as he completely dismissed talks of an imminent exit.

"I spoke to Christo [Nkunku] days ago,” Maresca said on  Wednesday ahead of the Conference League clash at Heidenheim. “He didn't say he wasn't happy. He would like to play more games, for sure. I completely want Christo to stay, there is no idea to allow him to go in January."

 

November 27, 2024