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Chelsea not looking to sell forward in January window

Enzo Maresca has said Chelsea will not sell Christopher Nkunku during the January transfer window.

Nkunku has been linked with leaving Chelsea in January after struggling for a regular role under the new head coach. The Frenchman has featured for just 164 minutes in the Premier League this season, despite impressive performances in cup competition.

The 27-year-old is Chelsea’s leading scorer in all competitions with 10 goals and it has been reported that Nkunku has become frustrated with his role at Stamford Bridge. Manchester United have been tentatively linked with a move.

However, Maresca dismissed the suggestion Nkunku wants to leave Chelsea and said there are no plans to part with the forward.

“I spoke to Christo days ago and he did not say he was unhappy. For sure, he would like to play minutes but like many players. We have so many games, especially in December,” Maresca said at his pre-match press conference, speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League fixture at Heidenheim.

“The problem with Christo, not the problem but it’s the same issue and the same thing we mention many times about Joao (Felix).

“If you play with Cole (Palmer), you play with Joao, or Christo, or Noni (Madueke), or Jadon (Sancho) – who is defending? Their skills and strength is not defending; it’s to attack.

“We love them but also we need the balance. Last game, we tried with Cole and Joao together. Soon, we can try with Christo and Cole, Christo and Joao, for sure.

“The reason why is because we have so many games. I completely want Christo to stay with us; I don’t have any idea to let him leave in January.”