Christopher Nkunku could leave Chelsea! Summer transfer on the cards if Frenchman remains out of favour under Enzo Maresca with £52m signing frustrated by game time

The Blues recruited Nkunku from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 for £52 million ($67m) in what was seen as a statement signing at the time. However, knee, hamstring, and various other injuries have limited his game time and this season, Nicolas Jackson has been Chelsea's first-choice striker. Now, Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg claims the France international could depart the club in 2025 if his minutes don't improve - but a January exit is very unlikely.

Plettenberg claimed that while Nkunku is 'highly motivated' and 'currently not planning a transfer this winter', his 'challenging situation' could soon change if Maresca doesn't afford him more opportunities.

The journalist added: "If Nkunku's situation does not improve by the summer, a departure from Chelsea FC could become a possibility."

Nkunku has made 30 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions, scoring 13 goals along the way. Despite scoring 10 goals in 16 matches this term, he has made just one start in the Premier League in 2024-25. The 26-year-old has mainly started in the Carabao Cup and the Conference League but it seems clear he wants more action in the English top-flight. Losing him would be a blow for the Blues, especially after forking out such a big fee for him.

It remains to be seen if Nkunku, whose contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2029, will get game time when Chelsea host Arsenal in a crunch Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon.