Christopher Nkunku is reportedly considering a surprise exit from Chelsea next summer, just a year after joining the club in a highly anticipated £52 million move from RB Leipzig.
Christopher Nkunku Eyes Exit After Struggling to Break into Chelsea First Team
According to sources close to the Frenchman, Nkunku is growing increasingly frustrated with his lack of game time in the Premier League and may push for a move if he doesn’t secure a regular spot in the starting eleven.
The 26-year-old forward, who made his name at RB Leipzig, has had a turbulent start to life at Stamford Bridge. A significant injury early in his Chelsea career kept him sidelined for a large part of the 2023-24 season.
However, since his return, Nkunku has managed to score seven goals in 11 appearances across all competitions. Despite this impressive tally, he has struggled to break into the first team in the Premier League, where he has started just one match.
Nkunku’s limited opportunities have reportedly left him “unhappy,” particularly as Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca seems to favor Nicolas Jackson in the central attacking role.
Jackson’s strong form has seen him cement his place as Chelsea’s primary striker, leaving Nkunku on the fringes of the squad, competing with recent signings Joao Felix and Pedro Neto for a place in the attack.
Despite Nkunku’s frustrations, Chelsea are not entertaining any offers for the French forward. Club sources have indicated that Maresca and the management believe Nkunku will get his chance to shine in the coming months as Chelsea’s fixture schedule intensifies.
They see the attacker as a key part of their plans moving forward, but that hasn’t quelled the player’s disappointment over his current role.
Adding to the speculation, Nkunku’s past ties with Paris Saint-Germain, where he began his professional career, have resurfaced in recent weeks. During the international break, Nkunku had to publicly dismiss rumors linking him with a return to PSG.
However, with major European clubs monitoring his situation, including his long-time admirers in Paris, an exit next summer could be on the cards if his situation doesn’t improve.
Nkunku’s performances for Chelsea have shown glimpses of his immense talent, but the forward may not be willing to wait much longer for a more prominent role. Should his frustrations persist, a shock move away from Stamford Bridge could become a serious possibility next summer.
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