Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku has been the subject of increasing speculation this season, with rumors swirling that he could be on the move from Stamford Bridge as early as January.
The French international, who joined the Blues in a £52 million deal from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023, has endured a tough start to his Chelsea career, plagued by injuries and restricted playing time. Yet, with his form beginning to show signs of improvement, talk of a move to Manchester United has emerged, alongside growing concerns about his future in west London.
Nkunku’s first season with Chelsea was marred by injury setbacks, limiting him to just 14 appearances and three goals across all competitions. The promise he showed at Leipzig, where he scored 58 goals in his final two seasons, was all but forgotten as he battled fitness issues. However, the 26-year-old forward is now showing glimpses of his old self in 2024, having netted 10 goals in 16 appearances for Chelsea this season. While these numbers are encouraging, it’s worth noting that only one of those goals has come in the Premier League, and Nkunku has played just 155 minutes in the league thus far.
This lack of opportunities in Chelsea’s starting lineup has led to speculation that Nkunku is becoming increasingly frustrated with his situation. Rumors have circulated in recent days that Manchester United could be a potential destination for the France international, with the Red Devils reportedly willing to match Chelsea’s original £52 million investment to bring him to Old Trafford. These rumors have intensified following reports that Nkunku’s camp is open to the idea of a move, should his situation not improve at Stamford Bridge.
However, former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has warned Nkunku against leaving Chelsea too soon. Speaking to Betfred, Johnson pointed out that the forward’s start to life at Chelsea has been tough due to his injury problems, but he also emphasized that Nkunku has shown flashes of brilliance when fit. “They’re in a much better position now, and if he can get fit and get himself in the starting eleven, then Chelsea have a good player on their hands,” Johnson said. “He just doesn’t look fully fit yet.” With Chelsea showing signs of improvement under manager Enzo Maresca, Johnson believes it would be a mistake for Nkunku to consider leaving the club at this stage.
Despite Johnson’s advice, there are indications that Nkunku is growing increasingly unhappy with his role at Chelsea. According to sources close to the player, Nkunku is reportedly open to a move to Manchester United, and he could consider pushing for an exit if his situation doesn’t improve in the coming weeks. French outlet L’Equipe and Football Insider have both reported that the striker is attracted to the prospect of joining United, though it is clear that any potential move will depend on the managerial direction at Old Trafford.
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New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is still in the process of assessing his squad, and any transfer plans will likely hinge on his evaluation of the team. However, sources have revealed that United’s board is prepared to make funds available for Amorim in the January transfer window, should he identify a player he believes is necessary to strengthen his squad. This could potentially open the door for a move for Nkunku, should Amorim decide to make the Chelsea forward one of his first signings at the helm of United.
Glenn Hoddle, the former Chelsea manager, has also weighed in on Nkunku’s situation, expressing concerns about the player’s unhappiness at Stamford Bridge. Speaking on TNT Sports ahead of Chelsea’s clash against Panathinaikos, Hoddle stated that while injuries have undoubtedly been a factor in Nkunku’s struggles, he also feels that the Frenchman has not been given the same opportunities as some of Chelsea’s other forwards. “When I look at Chelsea’s forwards, I think Nkunku would be more clinical than Nicolas Jackson if he had the same time on the pitch and had his chances so far this season,” Hoddle said. “Whether Nkunku is going to be happy… he might be one that will think he needs to leave come January if this is still happening.”
Indeed, Nkunku’s current role at Chelsea has been limited, with the forward featuring in only 15.6% of the minutes he could have played in the Premier League this season. By contrast, he has had more involvement in the Carabao Cup and the UEFA Conference League, but this still paints a frustrating picture for a player who was expected to be one of Chelsea’s key figures moving forward. This limited game time has only fueled the rumors of a potential departure, with many wondering whether Nkunku’s patience will run out if his situation doesn’t improve.
The fact that Nkunku is only featuring in 42.5% of the minutes available to him this season indicates that Chelsea are yet to fully trust him in a regular starting role. While Chelsea have made strides in their overall team performance, it is clear that Nkunku’s progress is being hindered by a lack of consistent opportunities. For a player of his quality and potential, it is understandable why he might be questioning his future if he continues to be sidelined in favor of other attacking options.
At the same time, Chelsea’s improved form under Maresca suggests that the team is moving in the right direction, and a player of Nkunku’s caliber could prove to be a key figure if he can regain his fitness and confidence. The Blues have shown positive signs in their attacking play, but they are still in the midst of a rebuilding phase, and Nkunku’s role within that process remains uncertain. As the January transfer window approaches, it will be interesting to see whether the Frenchman’s situation changes, or if Chelsea will risk losing one of their most talented attackers in a high-profile move to Manchester United.
One thing is clear: Nkunku’s future at Chelsea is far from guaranteed. If he does decide to stay at Stamford Bridge, it will be crucial for him to prove his fitness and make the most of any opportunities he receives in the Premier League. However, if he is unhappy with his current situation, a move to Manchester United could be a very real possibility. With new leadership at Old Trafford and the financial backing to make major signings, United could offer Nkunku the fresh start he is seeking, but only time will tell whether the move comes to fruition.
In the meantime, Chelsea will have to carefully manage Nkunku’s situation. His potential departure could leave a void in their attack, but it could also present an opportunity for other forwards to step up and stake their claim for a regular spot in the team. Regardless of what happens, the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the future of Christopher Nkunku at Chelsea and his next steps in his career.
