PSG register interest in ‘fantastic’ Chelsea star, Maresca insists he’s not for sale

Paris Saint-Germain are keen to sign Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku this month, according to Mail Sport.

The France international has faced a difficult campaign and has struggled to break into Enzo Maresca’s first team.

The ‘fantastic‘ forward has been forced to settle for substitute appearances in the Premier League, with most of his game time coming in the Europa Conference League and the League Cup.

Nkunku has played in all but two Premier League games for Chelsea this season but has started just three times, producing a goal and an assist in the 5-1 trouncing of Southampton in December.

He has played back-up to first-choice striker Nicolas Jackson, whose nine Premier League goal tally is only bettered by Cole Palmer’s 13 in the Chelsea squad.

Nkunku only has two Premier League goals to his name but has been prolific all-round, netting 12 times across all competitions.

However, his lack of game time in the Premier League has prompted talks of a potential exit, and PSG are closely monitoring his situation ahead of a potential reunion.

Nkunku came through PSG’s youth set-up before going on to establish himself at RB Leipzig, recording 70 goals and 54 assists in 172 games.

He excelled in Germany as a secondary striker and won the Golden Boot in his final season at Leipzig, but he has mostly been tasked with leading the line at Chelsea.

While the Frenchman is versatile enough to play in a number of positions, Palmer’s emergence at Chelsea has prevented him from slotting into his favoured role as a second striker.

Chelsea forked out £52 million to sign Nkunku from Leipzig in 2023. However, his time at the club has been a mixed bag, notching 15 goals and four assists in 41 games.

Nkunku still has a long-term contract that runs until 2029, and Maresca has repeatedly shut down rumours of a mid-season exit, declaring that Nkunku is ‘absolutely not’ up for sale.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com.