“I feel sorry for Christo, because he was our best player during the pre-season”. This is what Enzo Maresca still said about Christopher Nkunku at the beginning of November, after Chelsea’s success in the Europa Conference League against FC Noah, during which the Frenchman scored twice. The Italian coach would therefore almost apologize for putting the attacker on the bench, due to lack of space. In his 4-2-3-1, Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson appear to be the permanent fixtures in the number 10 and central striker positions, while Maresca favors true winger profiles on the sides.
Nkunku must therefore be content with late entries in the Premier League and starts in the Europa Conference League, where he scores in every match. From there to imagining a departure earlier than expected? This is the information that was relayed in England recently. Contacted by The Athletica close friend of the player assured that Nkunku was not happy with the turn of events, but that he remained professional and ready to seize every opportunity with Chelsea. The fact remains that his London adventure has not yet really started.
No departure in January
The fault first lies in this nasty knee injury in the summer of 2023, when he had just been recruited, which deprived him of the first part of the season. For Nkunku, the 2024-2025 financial year was to be the start of his love affair with the Blues. But fierce competition and Maresca’s choices decided otherwise. However, according to The Athleticthe Nkunku clan is not at the point of demanding a departure and it would be surprising to see him leave the club in January, if not impossible. Likewise, the hypothesis of a loan is ruled out by the 27-year-old player and by his club.
Only a direct transfer could be considered, and rather at the end of the season. This is not yet the will of Chelsea, who have confidence in their player and his performances. Casually, he is Chelsea’s top scorer in all competitions this season, with 10 goals, better than Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson. There is therefore no question of getting rid of him in January, and it will be necessary to invest at least as much as the Blues in the summer of 2023, i.e. €60 million, to hope to attract him. Two clubs have been cited as interested, PSG and Manchester United.
