“I want to leave in January for regularly playing time” – Chelsea star sends strong warning to Enzo Maresca after lack of playing time
Christopher Nkunku’s future at Chelsea is already questionable, with speculations claiming the French forward may leave the club next summer if he does not win a regular berth in the starting lineup.
According to Football Insider, the 26-year-old is becoming dissatisfied with his current position at the club and is examining his alternatives for the future.
The speculation around Nkunku’s potential exit intensified during the international break, with the former Paris Saint-Germain player having to personally dismiss rumours linking him with a return to the French capital. Speaking to Telefoot, Nkunku addressed the swirling gossip about a move back to PSG, the club where he began his professional career before joining RB Leipzig. His performances in Germany earned him a £52 million transfer to Chelsea in 2023, a deal that was seen as a significant addition to the Blues’ attacking options.
However, despite scoring seven goals in 11 appearances this season, Nkunku has found it difficult to cement a starting position in Enzo Maresca’s squad. His return to action was delayed by a long-term injury that kept him out for much of the 2023-24 campaign, and since then, he has managed to find the net just once in the Premier League. His only league start this term has come at a time when Nicolas Jackson’s form has seen the Senegalese striker preferred in the forward line.
Adding to Nkunku’s challenge for a place in the team is the competition from Chelsea’s new arrivals Joao Felix and Pedro Neto, both of whom are vying for spots in the attacking setup. Chelsea are reportedly not currently entertaining offers for the Frenchman, despite his stuttering start to life in London, and they believe there will be plenty of opportunities for him to impress in the months ahead.
However, Nkunku could reportedly take matters into his own hands if the situation does not improve, with the forward reportedly “unhappy” playing a backup role. His potential departure would come as a surprise to many Chelsea supporters, considering the club’s significant investment in him just over a year ago.
Interest from top European clubs is believed to be growing, with Nkunku’s admirers closely monitoring his situation at Stamford Bridge. Should he push for an exit, it could see Chelsea facing the prospect of losing a talented attacker they had high hopes for when securing his signature.
As it stands, Nkunku’s immediate focus will be on breaking into Maresca’s first eleven and reclaiming the form that saw him rise to prominence in the Bundesliga. Whether he can secure a long-term place in Chelsea’s plans remains to be seen, but with competition heating up and the January transfer window approaching, the Frenchman’s situation is one that will continue to attract attention.