“He did not say he is not happy” - Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca brutally shuts down 27-year-old star’s links with Manchester United
Enzo Maresca has insisted Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku is not for sale amid Manchester United links. The Italian manager has shut down the possibility of an exit in January.
The Blues have been in excellent form so far under Maresca in his debut campaign. Chelsea are third in the Premier League table, a point behind second-placed Manchester City.
Nkunku is the club's top goalscorer so far this season across all competitions, netting ten times in 18 appearances for the west Londoners. However, the France international is yet to establish himself in Maresca's starting XI.
Nkunku has been sparingly used in the Premier League, with Maresca opting to give regular starts to the striker in the Conference League and the Carabao Cup instead.
The 27-year-old's only start in the English top tier this season came in Chelsea's opening defeat to Manchester City. There have been reports of a potential exit for Nkunku, with Manchester United credited with an interest.
However, Maresca confirmed that his striker's future remains at Stamford Bridge at a press conference ahead of Chelsea's Conference League clash against Bundesliga side Heidenheim this week.
When asked if Nkunku was unhappy, Maresca said (via GOAL):
"Not at all. I spoke with Christo days ago - he did not say he is not happy."
Asked if he's not for sale ahead of January, the Italian responded:
"Absolutely [he is not for sale], yes."
After their mid-week Conference League fixture, the Blues will face Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday (December 1).
Emmanuel Petit urges Manchester United to sign Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku
Emmanuel Petit believes Christopher Nkunku would be the perfect fit at Manchester United under new head coach Ruben Amorim. The pundit has urged the Portuguese boss to secure his signature in January.
United parted ways with Erik ten Hag last month after the Dutch manager left the club 14th in the Premier League and 21st in the Europe League.
The Red Devils appointed Sporting CP's Amorim at the helm in the hope of turning things around and returning glory to Old Trafford.
And Petit believes Nkunku should be Amorim's first signing at Manchester United. The former Arsenal star said:
"Ruben Amorim has a clear philosophy and knows exactly what he wants from his players. He has an identity and he wants intelligent players – Christopher Nkunku is one of those. In terms of how he links up with strikers and wingers, he could have a big impact at Old Trafford if Chelsea decide to sell. Looking at the dressing room at Manchester United, he could make a big difference."
