The future of Christopher Nkunku at Chelsea is up in the air, after Enzo Maresca hinted that a summer exit could be on the cards. Interest from Manchester United is heating up for the striker, and his boss has refrained from offering any promises about Nkunku's stay at the club.
The 27-year-old French international made the switch from RB Leipzig to Chelsea two years ago for £52million but has not been able to secure a starting spot due to inconsistent form and injuries.
Under Maresca's leadership, Nkunku seems to have lost ground, especially with the £30m arrival of Liam Delap. The Italian acknowledged the unpredictability of the transfer window, suggesting Manchester United and co may see an opportunity to snap up the striker.
Maresca voiced his unsure stance, stating: "If Christo is here with us, it is because we think he can help us and he can be with us even next season. But as you said, there are many speculations, not just about Christo, about many players.
"And then if something is going to happen, I don't know because we said many times when the transfer window is open, anything can happen in terms of players that can arrive or players that can leave."
Such comments do not convey strong backing for Nkunku, who endured a frustrating match against ES Tunis at the FIFA Club World Cup. He had a lack of chances in the 3-0 victory, and stepped up for take a penalty in the second half only for the handball decision to be overturned by VAR.
This encapsulates the challenging time for Nkunku, who is aware that he ranks behind Delap and possibly Nicolas Jackson, the preferred centre forward from last season.
Jackson, on the other hand, has had his suspension extended for two matches following his dismissal against Flamengo. This means he will be absent from the last-16 tie with Benfica in Charlotte on Saturday.