Enzo Maresca gives hint over Christopher Nkunku’s future at Chelsea as the January transfer window nears

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The January transfer window is unlikely to facilitate mass change to the playing squad midway through this season at Chelsea.

12 months ago the Blues didn’t make a single signing in January, and ended up turning around their campaign for the better despite an injury crisis.

It is more likely that Enzo Maresca has to say goodbye to some players after they have struggled to get as many minutes as they would like in the competitive squad this season.

That description fits Christopher Nkunku very well this season, with him making just two Premier League starts so far.

The Frenchman is actually Chelsea’s top scorer in all competitions, however most of those have come in cup competitions.

Enzo Maresca wants to keep Christopher Nkunku at Chelsea

Nkunku is reportedly frustrated at his minutes this season, and this has seen reports that he could well be looking for a move in January.

It has even been claimed that Nkunku is actively searching for a move away from the club next month, however his exit would leave just Nicolas Jackson and youngster Marc Guiu as options to start up front.

Maresca has stated that he would like the France international to stay at the club when the window opens, however admitted that he has no power to keep anyone who wants to leave.

He said to the Mail Online: “If they knock on the door and they want to leave, I’m not going to say, “No, you have to stay here, 100 per cent”. If they want to leave, the best thing for everyone is that the players who aren’t happy leave.

“We like Christo and we want him here and there will always be players that are not happy and some that will ask to leave in January. I am not sure if that will be Christo’s or another player’s case. We want to keep them here because we are happy with them.”

Who could Christopher Nkunku join if he leaves Chelsea?

Nkunku has been linked to a number of clubs around Europe should he decide to leave Chelsea in January.

• READ MORE: Every club Christopher Nkunku has been linked to including one of Chelsea’s fiercest rivals

He has reportedly been offered to Barcelona by his agent, although their financial problems seem to be ongoing, and would make a move difficult to make.

Previous reports have stated Chelsea don’t want to make a loss on one of their first marquee signings under the new ownership, meaning they would need a fee of around £52m to do business.

Ruben Amorim has reportedly mentioned Nkunku as a transfer target for Manchester United, as he looks to shape his new side in his ideal way.

After starring in the Bundesliga, there have also been links of a return there to join Borussia Dortmund.

Chelsea will no doubt need to invest in another striker if he was to leave, with them reportedly monitoring Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.