Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has flatly ruled out selling Christopher Nkunku in the January transfer window.
The French forward started Chelsea’s Premier League first game against Manchester City, but is yet to return to the starting line-up for a top-flight game. Nkunku has been a fixture in every Europa Conference League and Carabao Cup game this season, netting ten goals in all competitions.
After a lack of Premier League game time, reports emerged earlier this month that Nkunku was considering a January exit. When Maresca was asked if his expensive back-up striker would be off the transfer list this winter, he replied emphatically: “Absolutely, yes.”
The Italian boss added: “We have a lot of games. I absolutely want Christo to stay with us – I have no idea about letting him go in January.
“A few days ago I spoke with Christo and he didn’t say he was unhappy. For sure he would like to play minutes but (that is) like many players.”
Maresca spoke ahead Chelsea Conference League match with the German team Heidenheim on Thursday evening. While Nkunku’s reduced status in the current squad ensures he will almost certainly start at the Voith-Arena, some of the Chelsea‘s star names have been spared any participation in the group stages of the competition.
Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia were was left out of the Conference squad to avoid overload, while first-team regulars Noni Madueke, Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto are yet to see a single minute in the competition.
During the international break in November, Nkunku played less speculation over a rumored move to Paris Saint-Germain, insisting no approach had been made. Manchester United was surprisingly linked with a possible search earlier this month, while the latest speculation revolves around a Bundesliga return with Borussia Dortmund.
