Christopher Nkunku's 'only problem' at Chelsea revealed as Enzo Maresca explains why AC Milan-bound attacker failed at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea have accepted Milan's €42 million (£36m/$49m) proposal for Nkunku, and he is close to moving to San Siro. The London club have also inserted a 10 per cent sell-on clause in the deal. Coach Enzo Maresca, under whom the player did not get enough playing time, claimed it was because of Cole Palmer that the French forward wasn't able to get much time on the pitch. The Italian coach believes he is a great player and will do wonders at Milan.

The ex-RB Leipzig player's career was hampered by injuries and limited playing time since he joined the Blues in 2023. The arrival of Palmer and other new signings further resulted in him falling down Maresca's pecking order. Bayern Munich were also interested in signing the 27-year-old, but the Premier League side were not looking for a loan deal. The French international will reportedly take up the No. 18 shirt in Milan, a number he has worn since his days in the Bundesliga.

Chelsea coach Maresca praised Nkunku as he inches closer to Milan, saying: "Christo is a fantastic professional, first of all. With us he was very professional, training very well. The only problem with Christo has been that in his position there was another player like Cole, so it was difficult for him to get minutes. But they can expect fantastic things, first of all because he is very professional, and second because he is a very good player."

Nkunku is a much-needed addition to the Milan squad with winger Rafael Leao out injured for Friday's game against Lecce, while new midfielder Ardon Jashari faces two months out.