Chelsea want to keep Christopher Nkunku moving forward despite growing interest from abroad.
Nkunku is under contract at Stamford Bridge until June 2029, after signing a six-year contract when he joined from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023.
Chelsea paid Leipzig £52 million for Nkunku, who has scored 15 goals in 41 games for the Blues so far, mainly as a substitute.
Reports in Spain recently claimed that Barcelona were on Nkunku's long list of foreign admirers.
Closer to home, Manchester United have also been linked with a possible move for the 27-year-old.
Chelsea boss Maresca was asked by reporters earlier this season whether Nkunku was unhappy about his lack of playing time.
Maresca replied, “Not at all. I spoke to Christo days ago, he didn't say he wasn't happy.'
After stating that Nkunku was “absolutely not” for sale, Maresca added: “The problem with Christo, not the problem, but the same problem that we have mentioned many times; when you play with Cole [Palmer]Yoao [Felix]Christo, Jadon [Sancho] or Noni [Madueke] – who defends? Their skill is not defense. We tried the last game together with Joao and Cole.
'The best moment for Christo with us was probably in the preparation, when he played in his position. Since we started, he has been playing as a nine for us. Against City he played as a winger; knowing that this is not his best position. His best position is a 10, but Cole plays there. We need balance.'
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