Chelsea star linked to permanent exit despite being club's top scorer

Christopher Nkunku is unhappy with the limited playing time he has received at Chelsea and is considering his future, according to reports.

The Frenchman has only started once in the Premier League this season: Chelsea's first game against city ​​of manchester – and was substituted in the 58th minute.

Despite his limited time on the field, he is the club's top scorer this campaign after scoring 10 goals, including the game-winner against Bournemouth after just seven minutes on the pitch.

However, reports of L'Equipe this week suggest the 27-year-old is weighing up his future at Stamford Bridge.

Now, a source close to the player has suggested to the The Athletic that the forward is not too happy with his current situation.

The source also said that Nkunku has not made any complaints to the club and is not trying to cause any problems with coach Enzo Maresca.

The 27-year-old was involved heavily in pre-season while Cole Palmer was on an extended break after Euro 2024 and Nicolas Jackson was recovering from injury.

He has played predominantly in the Conference League and Carabao Cupaccumulating a total of 688 minutes in all competitions.

He also scored a hat-trick in the Carabao Cup third round against Barrow.

palm tree He is the club's second top scorer with seven, followed by Jackson with six.

Before joining the club, the former RB Leipzig star had a successful run in Germany, recording 35 goals and 20 assists during the 2021/22 season, followed by 32 goals the next season.

Needing a talisman after finishing 12th in the league in 2022/23, Chelsea he bought it for £52 million.

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However, a significant knee injury in the preseason against Borussia Dortmund kept him out for much of the campaign.

Nkunku's preferred position is second striker or not. 10, but that place is assured by Palmer.

Speaking about the forward before the 8-0 rout of Noah in the Conference League, Maresca said: “Christo, every time he plays, he scores and he does it well.

“Also, he was probably our best player in the preseason, without a doubt.

“He played then as an attacking midfielder and now we use him as a nine, which we all know is not his position, it is more of a second striker or between the lines.

“But I try to find a solution and a balance with all of them but not everyone can be in their position, they have to adapt a little.

“It's for Joao (Felix), Christo (Nkunku), Misha (Mudryk). They are all players who deserve more opportunities in the Premier League, but there are also more players who deserve them.”