Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has broken his silence on Christopher Nkunku’s future after Manchester United reportedly made contact about a potential deal.
Manchester United have made a strong start to the summer transfer window, bringing in Matheus Cunha early and actively pursuing a deal for Bryan Mbeumo.
Although both players would enhance United’s attacking midfield and No.10 options, the pressing need for a recognised centre-forward still hasn’t been solved.
Rasmus Højlund lacked consistency last season, and while Joshua Zirkzee is a highly skilled forward, he’s more effective in a deeper, more creative role rather than leading the line.
Several options now seem unlikely and United have reportedly reignited their interest in Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku, despite him not being an out-and-out striker.
Nkunku has struggled since his move to Stamford Bridge but shined when he was playing in Germany. His last top campaign in 2022/23 with RB Leipzig saw him play mostly as a shadow striker.
Maresca breaks silence on Nkunku’s future
Nkunku is currently in the United States with Chelsea during their Club World Cup campaign but he has only played six minutes during their opening two fixtures of that competition.
Reports from various outlets have suggested that United and Chelsea are weighing up the possibility of sending Nkunku and Alejandro Garnacho in opposite directions, although it would be two separate deals rather than a swap.
The Athletic have claimed that there has been recent contact from the Reds regarding the 27-year-old although they have been focused on signing Cunha and Mbeumo.
When asked about Nkunku at the beginning of the week, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca said: “Christo is with us. He’s our player.
“He’s doing very well in the last four, five days. For sure, tomorrow we are going to do rotation. We’ll see if there is any chance for the ones that are not playing a lot.”
Nkunku deal doesn’t make sense for United
United were interested in Nkunku back in January but a deal didn’t end up happening. It is definitely something which could end up happening this summer.
He shouldn’t be defined by his time at Chelsea, which was also heavily impacted by injury, but it is a deal which doesn’t seem to make as much sense after the additions of Cunha and Mbeumo.
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Nkunku doesn’t seem like the type of no.9 that Amorim would like, but he would probably suit one of those no.10 positions behind the striker.
But those two roles will be filled by Cunha and Mbeumo, while further depth is offered by the likes of Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Zirkzee, Bruno Fernandes and Amad.
This seems like a deal which the club should pursue if the deal for Mbeumo somehow breaks down, but that is unlikely at this point.
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