Christopher Nkunku's stance on ditching Chelsea for Man Utd under Ruben Amorim

Christopher Nkunku is reportedly considering leaving Chelsea in the January transfer window just months after Manchester United enquired about signing the Frenchman.

Optimism had been high when Nkunku, who shone with RB Leipzig in Germany, arrived as part of a big-money transfer to Chelsea last season.

Splashing £52million on the Frenchman, Nkunku joined on the back of a goal and trophy-laden stint with Leipzig, netting 70 goals in 172 games for the Bundesliga outfit.

But Nkunku’s preparation for the 2023/24 campaign was rocked in pre-season when he went down with a long-term injury.

The ex-Paris Saint Germain starlet eventually returned to fitness, but suffered several setbacks and failed to establish a place in the team under the then manager Mauricio Pochettino.

While he’s been able to maintain a clean bill of health this term, Nkunku hasn’t been fancied by new boss Enzo Maresca, with the Italian instead opting to deploy Nicolas Jackson as the team’s starting striker.

As a result, it’s reported by The Telegraph that Nkunku is disgruntled with his current minutes – a situation that could force him to look elsewhere when the January window opens after Christmas.

He might not have any trouble securing a move away from the club, given Maresca and Chelsea are said to be willing to listen to any offers that might present themselves.

It would be a disappointing end to a transfer that carried plenty of promise, but had things worked out slightly differently, Nkunku might’ve been playing for United already this season.

It’s suggested by the same report that Nkunku was a player of interest to Erik ten Hag during the summer window, with United seeing an enquiry knocked back by the west Londoners.

However, it’s unclear whether incoming Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim holds the same level of admiration.

With four years left on his contract, Chelsea have a strong negotiating position, but if Nkunku starts to kick up a fuss, Maresca could push to have him removed from the dressing room.

Speaking ahead of last week’s Europa Conference tie with Armenian outfit FC Noah, Maresca stated: “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.”