“I don’t care , he can go” – Enzo Maresca opens door for Chelsea star to leave despite playing Club World Cup with Chelsea
Following Chelsea 3-0 win over ES Tunis Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has refused to rule out Christopher Nkunku leaving Chelsea this summer.
The Frenchman started only nine Premier League matches last season and has struggled to make an impact at Stamford Bridge since making a £52m move in 2023.
Nkunku has dropped further down the pecking order after Liam Delap’s arrival at Chelsea, though he did play the full 90 minutes in the Club World Cup win over Esperance Tunis.
However, he was overshadowed by Delap, who impressed leading the line and scored his first goal for the club.
Nkunku has been linked with a move to Manchester United and there is talk of a swap deal involving Alejandro Garnacho, who is believed to be keen to join Chelsea.
Maresca was asked about Nkunku after his side beat Esperance and he could not give any assurances that the Frenchman would still be a Chelsea player when the window closes.
“If Christo is here with us, it is because we think he can help us and he can be with us even next season,” Maresca said.
“But as you said, there are many speculations, not just about Christo, about many players.
“And then if something is going to happen, I don’t know because we said many times when the transfer window is open, anything can happen in terms of players that can arrive or players that can leave.”
Reports suggest that United do not view Nkunku as a top target and would prefer to focus on other forward options.
The club are making progress in their pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo and remain interested in Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitike.