Christopher Nkunku is reportedly not planning to leave Chelsea in January but may consider doing so unless there is a change in his situation by next summer.
Nkunku joined Chelsea in the summer of 2023 from Bundesliga outfit RB Leipzig for a fee of around £52m, with much anticipation surrounding his arrival.
The France international had established himself as a top talent in the German top flight, but his time at Stamford Bridge has yet to live up to expectations.
The 26-year-old has made just one Premier League start this season - the 2-0 loss to Manchester City on the opening weekend - and was left as an unused substitute in the 1-1 draw at Manchester United most recently.
Nkunku has played only 153 minutes in the league so far this season, which has fueled growing speculation about his future at Stamford Bridge.
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Nkunku to remain at Stamford Bridge this season
Despite concerns over his future in West London, Sky Sports Germany report that Nkunku has no plans to leave Chelsea in January and is primarily focused on earning back his place in the club's starting 11.
However, the report adds that the Frenchman's situation is "challenging", and a move in the summer could become likely if his playing time for the Blues does not improve.
Although he has received limited Premier League minutes, the 26-year-old is Chelsea's top scorer across all competitions this season, with 10 goals in 16 matches.
Most recently, he netted a brace in Thursday's 8-0 victory over Noah, which took his tally to six goals in the Conference League so far this season.
Still, Nkunku faces intense competition to get a regular starting spot at Chelsea, not only from Nicolas Jackson and Cole Palmer, but also from a versatile attacking lineup that includes the likes of Noni Madueke, Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho.
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Maresca on Nkunku situation
Commenting on Nkunku's difficulty in securing playing time in the Premier League, Blues boss Enzo Maresca remarked earlier this week: "Christo, every time he plays, he scores, and he does well. Also, he was probably our best player in pre-season, no doubt.
"He was playing then as an attacking midfielder and now we are using him as a nine, which we all know isn't his position, he's more a second striker or between the lines.
"But I try to find solution and balance with all of them but not all of them can be in their position, they have to adapt a bit."
Chelsea will be back in action on Sunday, hosting London rivals Arsenal in the Premier League, and return from the international break with a trip to the King Power Stadium to face Leicester City.
Devesh Jaganath
