Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca insists Christopher Nkunku is a long-term player and will not be tempted to sell him in January 2025.
The Blues bought the Frenchman from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 for £52m. But he was injured during the first period. After recovering, he was overtaken by Nicholas Jackson as the number 9. So he had to wait for opportunities in the Carabao Cup and Europa Conference League UFABET
It has led to speculation that the 27-year-old is unhappy and is looking for regular playing opportunities elsewhere this winter.
But recently, Maresca has put out the rumors, saying that the kid is not going anywhere.
He said:
“Yes, Nkunku will not be sold in the January transfer window.” He said ahead of the league face-off against Heidenheim (November 28).
“I spoke to Christopher the other day and he didn’t say he was unhappy. But of course he wants more playing time. I can’t promise you that because we have a lot of options.”
“I can play anyway because we have a lot of competitions in December.”
“The problem for ‘Christo’ is not that big, it’s just a big concern. Like the one we’ve said many times about Joao Felix.”
“Let’s say we put out a full line-up with Cole Palmer, Joao, ‘Christo’, Noni Madueke and Jadon Sancho, who would play in defence? Their skills and strengths are not in defence, they are in attack.”
“We love them all, but at the same time the team has to strike a balance.”
“Like in the last match, we tried to use Cole and Joao together. Soon we will try to use ‘Christo’ to coordinate with Cole, ‘Christo’ to pair with Joao for sure.”
“The reason is as I said, we have a lot of games to play. Personally, I want Christopher to stay with us. There is no idea of letting him go on the market in January.”
Nkunku ‘s contract is still until June 2029. This season’s performance is 10 goals. 1 assist from 18 games in all competitions .