Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has firmly dismissed any chance of Christopher Nkunku leaving the club during the January transfer window amid speculation that the forward is wanted by Manchester United.
The French forward has yet to pin down a spot in the starting lineup for the Blues in the Premier League. However, he has been a consistent presence in the Europa Conference League and Carabao Cup, amassing an impressive tally of ten goals across all competitions this season.
Amid limited league appearances, rumors surfaced earlier this month suggesting that Nkunku might seek a January move with United touted as a potential destination. When asked whether the high-profile striker could be put on the transfer list, Maresca responded decisively:
“Absolutely [he is not for sale], yes. The problem with Christo, not the problem but the same issue we have mentioned many times.
“If you play with Cole [Palmer], Joao [Felix], Christo, Jadon [Sancho] or Noni [Madueke], who is defending? Their skill is not defending. The last game, we tried Joao and Cole together.
“Probably the best moment for Christo with us has been in pre-season, playing in his position. Since we started, he is playing as a nine for us. Against City, he played as a winger knowing this is not his best position.
“His best position is as a 10 but Cole is playing there. We need balance.”
Maresca was speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Conference League clash with German Bundesliga side Heidenheim on Thursday evening where Nkunku will likely start due to his reduced role in the Premier League.
However, several key players, including Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia, were excluded from Chelsea’s UECL squad in order to manage their workload, while first-team regulars like Noni Madueke, Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto have not featured in the competition so far.
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