Christopher Nkunku could consider a Chelsea exit next summer 

Chelsea signed Nkunku from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023 for £52 million ($67m). However, his game time has been limited due to knee, hamstring, and other injuries, leaving Nicolas Jackson as Chelsea’s first-choice striker this season.

Presently, Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg suggests the France international might leave Chelsea in 2025 if his minutes don’t improve, though a January transfer is “very unlikely.”

According to Plettenberg, while Nkunku is “highly motivated” and currently not planning a transfer this winter, his challenging situation could shift if coach Maresca doesn’t give him more chances.

So far, Nkunku has made 30 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions and scored 13 goals. This season, despite 10 goals in 16 matches, he has only started once in the Premier League in 2024-25.

Most of his starts have been in the Carabao Cup and the Conference League, though he clearly wants more Premier League opportunities.

Losing Nkunku would be a setback for Chelsea, especially given his transfer fee. It’s uncertain if he’ll get playing time in Chelsea’s upcoming Premier League match against Arsenal on Sunday. His contract at Stamford Bridge runs until 2029.