Christopher Nkunku plans to depart from Chelsea in January: Reports

According to a recent rumor, Chelsea attacker Christopher Nkunku may consider leaving the team if he is unable to establish himself as a consistent starter under Enzo Maresca. This season, Nkunku has scored 10 goals for Chelsea in all competitions, taking advantage of the opportunities he has been given in the Conference League and Carabao Cup.

However, the 26-year-old is having trouble getting Premier League minutes because he can't get rid of Nicolas Jackson, who has established a strong rapport with Cole Palmer, who is always becoming better. Nkunku has only played 151 minutes of Premier League football, making his sole start against Manchester City on the first day of the season. The Frenchman was replaced after just 57 minutes of play in the match.

According to Sky Sports Germany, Christopher Nkunku, who signed a six-year deal with Chelsea in July 2023 for 52 million euros, may get frustrated by next summer even though there isn't a problem with his playing time right now. In addition to Jackson and Cole Palmer, Chelsea has a versatile front line that can play a variety of positions, so he will have fierce competition for spots there. 

Nkunku had previously excelled on the flank, but with Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto, Jadon Sancho, and Mykhailo Mudryk competing for those positions, the center striker has been the only way to get on the pitch. Following a string of successful games, the Blues are now in the top four of the Premier League under Maresca. 

Arsenal held Chelsea to draw at Stamford Bridge

After a tight 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Chelsea and Arsenal are now tied for first place in the Premier League, but still nine points behind league leaders Liverpool. Just five minutes later, Chelsea equalized in a swift response. Pedro Neto received a pass from substitute Enzo Fernández right beyond the Arsenal area. After creating space for himself, Neto fired low past David Raya's left side to tie the score at one.