Nkunku has struggled to find his place under new coach Enzo Maresca. Despite scoring an impressive five goals in five UEFA Conference League appearances, the Frenchman has mainly been relegated to Chelsea’s second-tier team.
Maresca has always favored Nicolas Jackson in the Premier League, making Nkunku increasingly dissatisfied with his role. The Spanish press believe he wants to leave Stamford Bridge now.
According to SPORT, the 27-year-old is eager to get more regular game time and is set to leave Stamford Bridge as early as January, either on loan or via a permanent transfer this summer.
Nkunku’s agent Pini Zahavi has reportedly contacted Barcelona, offering his client at a reduced price. Zahavi, who has a close relationship with the club, said Nkunku would be willing to take a pay cut to facilitate the transfer.
Barcelona increasingly need an alternative to Lewandowski. Despite an impressive tally of 16 goals in 18 La Liga games this season, the Polish striker has struggled to find form recently, scoring just twice in his last seven games.
At 36, Lewandowski remains a crucial figure for Barcelona, but club officials are increasingly aware of his age and the risk of significant physical decline.
Maresca doesn’t let him go
In November, Maresca stressed that Nkunku was not for sale during the January transfer window, despite having links with a host of top European clubs.
“I spoke to Christo (Nkunku) a few days ago”the Chelsea boss told reporters. “IHe didn’t say he wasn’t happy. He would like to play more matches, that’s for sure. I absolutely want Christo to stay, there is no idea of letting him leave in January. »
Maresca, however, admitted that several fringe Chelsea players could be pushing to leave the club mid-season.
