Enzo Maresca insists £52m man “absolutely” won’t be leaving in January | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Christopher Nkunku isn’t for sale in January and he wants the Frenchman to stay at the club.

Nkunku arrived at Chelsea to much excitement from German side RB Leipzig in a deal worth £52m in the summer of 2023, but his time at Stamford Bridge has been plagued by injury.

The 27-year-old was limited to just 14 appearances in all competitions last season as he struggled with numerous injury issues.

Maresca confirms Nkunku isn’t for sale in January

Nkunku had the summer off and was one of Chelsea’s best performers in pre-season and after starting the first game of the campaign against Manchester City it appeared he would have a key role under the 44-year-old.

However, things haven’t gone to plan since and that remains the only league game he’s started this season with the majority of his minutes coming in the cup competitions.

The France international is Chelsea’s top scorer with ten goals in all competitions, but is currently being kept out of the side by Nicolas Jackson who has made a great start to the season.

Nkunku has started just one Premier League game this season. (Photo by Milos Bicanski/Getty Images)

Given his lack of playing time reports have started to emerge that Nkunku is unhappy with his current situation in west London and he’s been linked with a move to Manchester United.

Former Blue Jason Cundy believes Nkuknu hasn’t done enough to warrant being in Chelsea’s starting line-up although he’s likely to get opportunities during the busy festive period.

Speaking ahead of Thursday’s Conference League clash with Heidenheim, a game Nkunku is likely to start, Maresca confirmed he wouldn’t be leaving in January.

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“Absolutely, yes I completely want Christo to stay with us. I don’t have any idea to allow him to go in January,” he told his pre-match press conference.

Nkunku will have to keep making the most of his opportunities and with Jackson one booking away from a one match ban his opportunity in the league could come as soon as Southampton on Wednesday evening.