Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca issues Christopher Nkunku update amid Man United transfer truth

Enzo Maresca has admitted Christopher Nkunku could depart Chelsea this summer amid links to Manchester United.

The Reds first took notice of the 27-year-old French forward in 2022, when then-manager Ralf Rangnick expressed interest during his time at RB Leipzig. However, the stumbling block at the time was that Manchester United had no scouting reports on Nkunku, and consequently, he wasn't on the club's shortlist.

Nkunku was once again linked with a move to Old Trafford during the winter transfer window, as part of a potential swap deal following Chelsea’s interest in Alejandro Garnacho. However, United’s move fell through as they were unwilling to settle for a short-term solution.

With Garnacho on his way out, Chelsea have once again suggested a swap deal. Speaking to reporters this week, the Chelsea boss Maresca shared an update, stating: "If Christo [Nkunku] is here with us, it is because we think he can help us and he can be with us even next season.

"But as you said, there are many speculations, not just about Christo, about many players. And then if something is going to happen, I don't know because we said many times when the transfer window is open, anything can happen in terms of players that can arrive or players that can leave."

However, The Manchester Evening News understands that Nkunku is not among United’s main targets to strengthen their attack this summer. United are understood to be considering other players before pursuing Nkunku.

Since joining Chelsea from Leipzig in 2023, the forward has struggled to replicate the form that saw him score 70 goals and provide 55 assists in 172 appearances for the German side.

Last season, he managed just nine Premier League starts, with Cole Palmer firmly ahead