Christopher Nkunku reacts to Romeo Lavia’s Chelsea message amid exit links
Christopher Nkunku has reacted to a message shared by Romeo Lavia amid the news that the France international could leave Chelsea.
The 27-year-old made just nine Premier League starts for Enzo Maresca’s side last term, and could enjoy more game time elsewhere.
However, Nkunku enjoyed greater success in the Conference League, scoring seven goals in 11 appearances as Chelsea paved their way to European glory.
The former Leipzig man has made two Club World Cup outings for the West Londoners so far, featuring for the entirety of a 3-0 win over Tunisian club Esperance on Wednesday, 25 June.
Nkunku reacts to Lavia message amid Manchester United links
For now, Nkunku will look to help Chelsea beat Benfica in their Club World Cup last-16 clash on Saturday, 28 June.
But according to The Telegraph [23 June], Manchester United are weighing up a move for the West London club’s forward.
Meanwhile, taking to Instagram on Wednesday, 25 June, Nkunku’s teammate Lavia looked ahead to Chelsea’s encounter with Benfica as he posted: “Saturday can’t come fast enough.”
Lavia’s message received a like from the reported Man United transfer target.
Nkunku can receive Chelsea reprieve via Club World Cup
Football Insider verdict
Amid the speculation that the forward could join Man United, Football Insider have exclusively revealed that Newcastle United are interested in Nkunku.
| Christopher Nkunku stats | Premier League 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 27 |
| Starts | 9 |
| Goals | 3 |
Meanwhile, Chelsea are closing in on Jamie Gittens, which could further damage the France international’s chances of enjoying regular game time in the Premier League.
However, if Nkunku can hit a rich vein of form in the Club World Cup, and even help the Blues win silverware ahead of next season, he can boost his chances of moving higher up in Maresca’s pecking order.
The former Leipzig man’s attacking exploits in the Conference League last campaign suggest that if he is handed more minutes in the Premier League, he could be able to score goals regularly, albeit his performances in Europe predominantly came against lower-calibre opponents.
But Saturday’s clash with Benfica presents Nkunku with a key opportunity to prove that he can produce the goods against a strong side.