Christopher Nkunku could consider Chelsea exit - report

Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku could look to leave the club if he's unable to become a regular starter under Enzo Maresca, a new report has claimed.

Nkunku has scored 10 goals in all competitions for Chelsea this season, capitalising on the chances afforded to him in the Carabao Cup and Conference League. But the 26-year-old is struggling for Premier League minutes as he's been unable to dislodge Nicolas Jackson, who has formed an impressive partnership with the ever-improving Cole Palmer.

Just 151 minutes of Premier League football have been afforded to Nkunku, whose only start came on the opening day of the season against Manchester City. In that game, the Frenchman lasted just 57 minutes before being substituted.

Nkunku was a £52m signing for Chelsea in July 2023, penning a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge, and Sky Sports Germany report that although there's no immediate problem with his number of minutes, he could become increasingly agitated by next summer.

The former RB Leipzig and Paris Saint-Germain forward is said to be 'highly motivated', suggesting he's not willing to play a bit-part role under Maresca, who took over as Chelsea's new head coach in the summer.

During his time in Germany, Nkunku scored 47 Bundesliga goals for RB Leipzig, with 36 of those coming in his final two seasons at the club.

Nkunku also scored 11 Champions League and Europa League goals as Leipzig made it to the last four of the latter competition having been eliminated from the former in the group stages.

At Chelsea, he faces strong competition for places from not just Jackson and Palmer, but also a fluid forward line capable of playing in multiple positions. Nkunku himself has shone on the flank in the past, but with Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho and Mykhailo Mudryk also vying for those spots, playing as the central striker has been the only pathway to on-field action.

The Blues are going well under Maresca, sitting inside the Premier League's top four after a sustained run of positive results.

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