🔵 Enzo Maresca Defends Christopher Nkunku Amid Transfer Rumors After Chelsea’s Win Over ES Tunis
Following Chelsea’s dominant 3-0 victory over ES Tunis in the FIFA Club World Cup, manager Enzo Maresca has thrown his support behind under-pressure attacker Christopher Nkunku, despite growing transfer speculation and calls for change among fans.
🔁 Maresca Backs Nkunku Despite Manchester United Links
With the summer transfer window heating up, Nkunku’s future at Chelsea has become a major talking point. The French international has struggled with injuries and inconsistent form since arriving at Stamford Bridge, and recent reports have linked him to a potential swap deal involving Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho—a player high on Chelsea’s transfer radar.
Despite the ongoing rumors, Maresca included Nkunku in his starting lineup against ES Tunis and defended the forward post-match.
“If Christo is still here, it’s because we believe he can help the team,” Maresca told The Standard. “But with the transfer market open, anything is possible—players could leave, and others might arrive.”
🧩 Squad Rotation and Summer Exit Talk
Maresca rotated his squad for the Club World Cup fixture, handing starts to:
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Christopher Nkunku
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Filip Jorgensen
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Dewsbury-Hall, another name in the transfer spotlight, is reportedly being considered in a potential swap deal for Brighton’s Joao Pedro, as Chelsea continues its squad overhaul ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
With Mykhailo Mudryk unavailable and Jadon Sancho returning to Man United, Chelsea are actively exploring wide-attacking options. Alejandro Garnacho is one of the most talked-about names, and fans have mixed opinions about the rumored Nkunku-for-Garnacho trade.
📉 Nkunku’s Struggles Since Joining Chelsea
Nkunku joined Chelsea with high expectations but has been hampered by:
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Multiple injury setbacks
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Limited playing time
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Inability to consistently influence matches
As a result, many Chelsea fans are split on whether he deserves more time or should be included in a summer deal to bring in a more dynamic wide forward.
⚠️ Transfer Window Uncertainty
Chelsea’s ongoing rebuild under Maresca includes a clear focus on:
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Youth development
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Tactical flexibility
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Trimming underperforming assets
With the transfer window open, Maresca emphasized that the club remains active in both incoming and outgoing negotiations, and players like Nkunku could be part of high-profile swaps or sales.
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🧠 Final Thoughts: Maresca Balancing Loyalty and Change
Enzo Maresca’s public backing of Nkunku sends a message of faith—but also leaves the door open to change. With Chelsea fans divided, and the Premier League transfer window rapidly evolving, Nkunku’s place in the squad is anything but secure.
As Chelsea eyes reinforcements to strengthen their attacking depth, the coming weeks could be crucial in determining whether Nkunku remains part of Maresca’s vision—or becomes a key piece in one of the summer’s biggest transfer moves.