Chelsea have reportedly decided how they will handle any interest in Christopher Nkunku.
Ever since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2023 for what was reported as a £52m fee, the versatile attacker has struggled to hold down a regular spot in the starting lineup under different head coaches.
Knee and hamstring injuries prevented the former RB Leipzig man from building any momentum under Mauricio Pochettino, while a Premier League start under Enzo Maresca has not been made since the opening weekend of 2024-25.
However, the 26-year-old has still managed to score seven goals in all competitions, his most recent strike coming in a 4-2 victory over Gent in the Conference League before the October international break.
The form of Nkunku has led to him earning a recall to the France squad for their recent UEFA Nations League fixtures with Israel and Belgium respectively, a goal being scored in the first of those encounters.
© Imago
What is Chelsea stance?
With Nkunku now back on the scene with Les Bleus, there has been talk of a potential approach arriving from Paris Saint-Germain.
He is no stranger to life at Parc des Princes having come through the academy setup to contribute 11 goals and four assists from 78 appearances in the first team.
At a time when PSG are not necessarily firing on all cylinders, club officials and supporters are likely to be in favour of a reunion with a homegrown star.
Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, Chelsea are not prepared to consider any offers for Nkunku in the upcoming transfer windows.
The report adds that Enzo Maresca views Nkunku as a key member of his squad, even though he is currently playing second fiddle to Nicolas Jackson.
Although Nkunku did start out wide against Manchester City in Chelsea's first Premier League game of the season, Maresca has since stated that he views other players as more likely to feature on the flanks going forward.
© Imago
What has Nkunku said?
When going on international duty, Nkunku was naturally going to be quizzed on his thoughts over being linked with a second stint at PSG.
In response, he told Telefoot: "PSG remains a big club, but there has not been one approach."
Barring any fitness issues after international duty, Nkunku will hope to feature against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday, albeit most likely from the substitutes' bench.
Darren Plant
