Chelsea handed transfer windfall boost as Premier League rivals 'in contact' over big-money deal

Chelsea could yet pocket a huge transfer windfall before the end of the window as they keep an eye on possible new recruits between now and Monday night’s deadline. The Blues have been focusing on exits this month, with a handful of players struggling for game time this season.

Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei and Renato Veiga lead the likely exitees, while Christopher Nkunku is another who could depart having largely settled for appearances off the bench this season, at least in the Premier League.

Nkunku arrived at Chelsea for more than £50million, but injury scuppered his first season, and he has since found himself struggling to displace Nicolas Jackson. A departure is now said to be on the cards, and there is reported interest from inside the Premier League and Germany, in particular.

According to Florian Plettenburg, one of the most likely options is Manchester United, who remain ‘in contact’ over a possible deal with a week to go in the January window. He tweeted: “Understand Chelsea and Manchester United remain in contact regarding a transfer of Christopher #Nkunku until Deadline Day. #CFC This is also because a departure of Alejandro Garnacho still remains a possible scenario. #MUFC. Nkunku is open to a move. A deal with FC.”

Interestingly, Chelsea appear to be interested in signing Garnacho, but it’s understood any deal involving the two players would be separate deals, with clubs preferring to keep things seperate for Profit and Sustainability purposes. Chelsea are said to be demanding as much as £70million for Nkunku, while the lowest figure is £65million, while Garnacho is likely to go for £60million or less.

While Nkunku hasn’t featured consistently, he has still scored 13 times this season, and the Blues are well aware that he is an asset.

What Maresca has said about Nkunku

Maresca said back in November that Nkunku is not for sale, but he also spoke about the forward’s lack of game time, saying: "The problem with Christo, not the problem but the same issue we have mentioned many times; if you play with Cole (Palmer), Joao (Felix), Christo, Jadon (Sancho) or Noni (Madueke) - who is defending? Their skill is not defending. The last game, we tried with Joao and Cole together.

"Probably the best moment for Christo with us has been in pre-season, playing in his position. Since we started, he is playing as a nine for us. Against City, he played as a winger; knowing this is not his best position. His best position is as a 10 but Cole is playing there. We need balance."