Nkunku: A shining gem or an imperfect piece?
Last summer, Chelsea excited fans when they successfully recruited Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig.
The French striker with outstanding talent and impressive scoring ability is expected to be one of the important factors helping The Blues compete for titles.
However, the reality has not been as expected. Despite having 10 goals in all competitions, Nkunku has mainly scored in cups and has had few opportunities to show himself in the Premier League. Fierce competition in Chelsea's attack, with the appearance of names such as Nicolas Jackson, Noni Madueke or Mykhailo Mudryk, has forced Nkunku to sit on the bench more often.
The lack of regular playing time is taking a toll on the Frenchman’s mental health. Nkunku, a player who is always eager to play and prove himself, is certainly not happy with the current situation. This raises the question: Are Chelsea wasting a promising young talent?
One of the reasons why Nkunku struggled at Chelsea could be down to the difference in playing styles. At RB Leipzig, Nkunku was given more freedom to express his creativity, while at Chelsea he had to adapt to a more structured system and compete with many other talented players.
Another option for Nkunku is to move to another club for more playing time. Manchester United, who are in need of attacking reinforcements, are thought to be a potential destination. A move to Old Trafford would give Nkunku more regular playing time and a chance to win trophies.
However, Chelsea letting Nkunku go would be a waste of talent. The Frenchman is still very young and has great potential. Given the right conditions, Nkunku could become one of the world's top strikers.
Christopher Nkunku's future at Chelsea remains up in the air. Whether or not he stays with the Blues will depend on a number of factors, including the decisions of Chelsea's board, coach Enzo Maresca and Nkunku himself.