MX23RW : Tuesday, December 3 16:54:51| >> :60:2715:2715:

"Under one condition" - Christopher Nkunku's January Chelsea exit stance 'revealed'

Christopher Nkunku's January Chelsea exit stance 'revealed'
© Imago
Christopher Nkunku is reportedly not planning to leave Chelsea in January but may consider doing so unless there is a change in his situation by next summer.

Christopher Nkunku is reportedly not planning to leave Chelsea in January but may consider doing so unless there is a change in his situation by next summer.

Nkunku joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023 from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig for a fee of around £52m, with much anticipation surrounding his arrival.

The France international had established himself as a top talent in the German top flight, but his time at Stamford Bridge has yet to live up to expectations.

The 26-year-old has made just one Premier League start this season - the 2-0 loss to Manchester City on the opening weekend - and was left as an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw at Manchester United most recently.

Nkunku has played only 153 minutes in the league so far this season, which has fueled growing speculation about his future at Stamford Bridge.

Christopher Nkunku celebrates scoring for Chelsea on September 14, 2024© Imago

Nkunku to remain at Stamford Bridge this season

Despite concerns over his future in West London, Sky Sports Germany report that Nkunku has no plans to leave Chelsea in January and is primarily focused on earning back his place in the club's starting 11.

However, the report adds that the Frenchman's situation is "challenging", and a move in the summer could become likely if his playing time for the Blues does not improve.

Although he has received limited Premier League minutes, the 26-year-old is Chelsea's top scorer across all competitions this season, with 10 goals in 16 matches.

Most recently, he netted a brace in Thursday's 8-0 victory over Noah, which took his tally to six goals in the Conference League so far this season.

Still, Nkunku faces intense competition to get a regular starting spot at Chelsea, not only from Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer, but also from a versatile attacking lineup that includes the likes of Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho.

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca on October 20 2024© Imago

Maresca on Nkunku situation

Commenting on Nkunku's difficulty in securing playing time in the Premier League, Blues boss Enzo Maresca remarked earlier this week: "Christo, every time he plays, he scores, and he does well. Also, he was probably our best player in pre-season, no doubt.

"He was playing then as an attacking midfielder and now we are using him as a nine, which we all know isn't his position, he's more a second striker or between the lines.

"But I try to find solution and balance with all of them but not all of them can be in their position, they have to adapt a bit."

Chelsea will be back in action on Sunday, hosting London rivals Arsenal in the Premier League, and return from the international break with a trip to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City.

ID:557786:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5053:
Written by
Devesh Jaganath

Click here for more stories about Christopher Nkunku

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Chelsea's Moises Caicedo celebrates with Nicolas Jackson on November 3, 2024
Read Next:
One eight, one four, many sixes: Player ratings from Man Utd's draw with Chelsea
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Browns
32-41
Broncos
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1311112681834
2Arsenal1374226141225
3Chelsea1374226141225
4Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton136522217523
5Manchester CityMan City137242219323
6Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest136431613322
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs1362528141420
8Brentford136252623320
9Manchester UnitedMan Utd135441713419
10Fulham135441818019
11Newcastle UnitedNewcastle135441414019
12Aston Villa135441922-319
13Bournemouth135352019118
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham134361724-715
15Everton132561021-1111
16Leicester CityLeicester132471627-1110
17Crystal Palace131661118-79
18Wolverhampton WanderersWolves132382232-109
19Ipswich TownIpswich131661324-119
20Southampton1312101025-155


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!