Man Utd want Chelsea star Maresca called his ‘BEST PLAYER’

Manchester United are ready to launch a move for Chelsea top scorer Christopher Nkunku in the January transfer window and have already asked the Stamford Bridge club about the France international star.

Nkunku was reported to be unhappy at Chelsea by Sky Sport Deutschland last week, and this information is reiterated by L’Equipe, which indicates that he is disappointed to have played only 154 minutes across 10 Premier League games so far this term.

Signed from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 for €60 million, the 26-year-old has made only one start in the Premier League for the Blues this term having been dogged by injury issues since arriving at the club.

Man Utd are seeking to take advantage of Nkunku’s position by asking about the possibility of a transfer.

The Frenchman would seem tailor-made for Ruben Amorim’s system at Old Trafford, given that he could play with two inside forwards comfortable in possession. Nkunku’s ball carrying is also something that Amorim would appreciate, while his versatility is another highly attractive feature of his game.

It is also suggested, however, that PSG could make a move for the forward who came through their academy system and made his senior debut at Parc des Princes.

READ MORE: Chelsea top scorers 2024/25

Maresca praise for Nkunku

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is a fan of Nkunku, admitting that the versatile attacker has been unlucky not to play more.

“I feel bad for Christo because during pre-season, he was probably our best player, while he played in his best position behind the striker or on the wing. But we are forced to adapt and we had to put him up front, knowing that he is not a No.9. But to find a team balance, we sometimes try this kind of thing,” he said last week.

“Christo is in the same situation as Joao Felix. If they continue to work as they do, they will get playing time in the Premier League. We need a balance. We can’t play with Joao, Cole Palmer and Christo. I wish I could play them all together but you also have to defend. That’s the only reason.”

Nkunku is under contract at Chelsea until 2029 but has seen his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) from a peak of €62.7m to less than half of that at €30.6m.

Maresca’s comment, though, show the Blues know what a player they have on their hands, so Man Utd will have to pay above his going rate to stand any chance of a completing a January transfer.