Maresca Shows Support for Under-Pressure Nkunku After Club World Cup Victory
Following Chelsea’s dominant 3-0 victory over ES Tunis in the Club World Cup, manager Enzo Maresca offered public backing to a player currently under intense scrutiny.
The Italian boss made several changes to his lineup, handing starts to Christopher Nkunku, Filip Jorgensen, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Dewsbury-Hall continues to be linked with a potential summer exit, possibly in a swap deal involving Brighton’s Joao Pedro. Meanwhile, speculation around Nkunku’s future is growing, with Manchester United reportedly showing interest.
Despite the ongoing rumours, Nkunku was named in the starting XI. After the match, Maresca reiterated his confidence in the French forward’s value to the team, while also acknowledging the unpredictable nature of the transfer market.
“If Christo is with us, it means we believe he still has something to contribute,” Maresca told The Standard. “But when the transfer window is open, anything can happen—players may come or go.”
Reports have linked Nkunku with a potential swap deal involving United’s Alejandro Garnacho, a player on Chelsea’s radar. With Jadon Sancho back at United and Mykhailo Mudryk sidelined, Chelsea are exploring ways to strengthen their wing options.
Some Chelsea fans appear open to the idea of a Garnacho-for-Nkunku exchange. Given Nkunku’s injury-plagued spell at the club, his limited impact has left portions of the fanbase indifferent about a possible summer departure.
