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Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Christopher Nkunku is not for sale in January following rumours linking the Chelsea star with a move to Manchester United. Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig for £53million in the summer of 2023, but his debut season was marred by injury and he has found Premier League opportunities hard to come by this term.

His only start in the top flight this campaign was the opening-day defeat by Manchester City. Since then, he has been largely confined to substitute appearances, not playing for more than 15 minutes in any of Chelsea's last seven games.

Instead, he has mainly featured in cup competitions as part of the Blues' second string, becoming the team's top scorer in all competitions with 10 goals. Reports have suggested that the Frenchman is unhappy and considering a move to United in the January window.

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However, Maresca has now quashed these rumours, insisting Nkunku remains a crucial player. "I spoke to Christo days ago and he did not say he was unhappy. For sure, he would like to play minutes, but like many players. We have so many games, especially in December. Since we started, for me, there are not two squads – the squad is only one," he said.

"They can play Conference League or the Premier League. I completely want Christo to stay with us. I don't have any idea to let him leave in January. Christo's best position is between the lines as a No 10 but Cole [Palmer] is playing there.

"Joao Felix played a Premier League game the other day against Leicester and Christopher, for sure, is going to play