Chelsea star linked with permanent exit amid strong Man United interest despite being club’s top goalscorer -Reports

Chelsea star linked with permanent exit amid strong Man United interest despite being club’s top goalscorer -Reports

According to sources, Christopher Nkunku is thinking about his future and is dissatisfied with the limited playing time he gets at Chelsea.

The Frenchman was replaced in the 58th minute of Chelsea’s opening match against Manchester City, the only Premier League game he has started this season.

Even though he only played for seven minutes, he scored ten goals this season, including the game-winning goal against Bournemouth, making him the team’s highest scorer. But according to this week’s L’Equipe sources, the 27-year-old is considering his options at Stamford Bridge.

Now, a source close to the player has suggested to the The Athletic that the forward is not too happy with his current situation

The 27-year-old featured heavily in pre-season while Cole Palmer was on an extended break after Euro 2024 and Nicolas Jackson was recovering from injury.

He has predominantly played in the Conference League and Carabao Cup, racking up a total of 688 minutes across all competitions.

He also scored a hat-trick in the Carabao Cup third round against Barrow.

Before joining the club, the former RB Leipzig star had a successful stretch in Germany, recording 35 goals and 20 assists during the 2021/22 season, followed up by 32 goal involvements in the next season.

In need of a talisman after their 12th placed finish in the league in 2022/23, Chelsea snapped him up for £52m.

However a significant knee injury in pre-season against Borussia Dortmund kept him out for a large chunk of the campaign.

Nkunku’s preferred position is as a second striker or no. 10, but that spot is secured by Palmer.

Speaking about the forward before their 8-0 thrashing of Noah in the Conference League, Maresca said: “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 a solution and balance with all of them but not all of them can be in their position, they have to adapt a bit