Enzo Maresca Comments on Christopher Nkunku’s Potential Departure from Chelsea

Enzo Maresca has indicated that Christopher Nkunku may leave Chelsea this summer as the forward’s future at Stamford Bridge appears uncertain. Despite the club’s interest in retaining him, reports suggest Manchester United have already contacted Nkunku about a possible transfer. The Red Devils are also pondering a swap deal involving outcast Alejandro Garnacho.

Last season, Nkunku scored 14 goals in 43 appearances, averaging a goal every 48 minutes, although only three strikes came in the Premier League. Since transferring from RB Leipzig in 2023—where he scored 70 goals and provided 55 assists in 172 matches—his first season in London was marred by injuries, limiting him to 14 games. The 27-year-old naturally plays as a number 10 or second striker but has struggled to cement a first-team spot, often overshadowed by Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, and Liam Delap.

Recently, Chelsea secured Delap to strengthen their attack, and his first goal for the club, scored on Tuesday night, suggests Nkunku’s exit could be imminent. Maresca refrained from giving guarantees regarding Nkunku’s future, emphasizing the unpredictability of the transfer window: “If Christo is with us, it’s because we believe he can help the team. But many things can happen when the transfer window is open.”

In a recent match during the Club World Cup group stage, Nkunku stepped up to take a second-half penalty, but VAR ruled it out. Despite previous interest from Bayern Munich, Chelsea had valued Nkunku at around £60 million during the January transfer window, but he chose to stay at the club then.

With heavy competition and a new signing to bolster the attack, Nkunku’s departure seems increasingly likely as the transfer window progresses.