TNT Sports
Christopher Nkunku weighing up Chelsea future amid Man Utd’s summer interest in striker - Paper Round
By
Updated 12/11/2024 at 09:16 GMT
React to this story
Tuesday’s Paper Round leads on Christopher Nkunku, the Chelsea striker who is reportedly frustrated with his current game-time at Stamford Bridge and could be open to leaving the club with Enzo Maresca in charge. Elsewhere, Real Madrid will not move to re-sign defender Sergio Ramos, despite the injury to Eder Militao, and several clubs are monitoring a Chelsea youngster.
'I feel ready for the new challenge' - Amorim looking forward to getting started at Man Utd
Video credit: TNT Sports
Nkunku considering Chelsea future
Christopher Nkunku is weighing up his Chelsea future as he continues to fight for a spot in Enzo Maresca’s plans, the Telegraph reports. The France international is currently playing second fiddle to Nicolas Jackson up front, and that has led to Nkunku becoming increasingly frustrated.
The 26-year-old was considered by Manchester United in the summer, although the Red Devils made no official approach.
The Telegraph adds: “Although the 26-year-old has made 17 appearances for Chelsea this season – scoring 10 goals, making him top scorer – he has only started one Premier League game, which was the defeat by Manchester City in August, the first fixture of the campaign.
“Since then, Nkunku has come on nine times as a substitute, including in the 88th minute of Sunday’s 1-1 draw at home to Arsenal.
“Nkunku has made seven starts for Chelsea: five in the Europa Conference League and two in the League Cup, which Maresca has effectively used as game time for what constitutes his B-team.”
Real Madrid opt against Ramos
Real Madrid will not re-sign Sergio Ramos despite Eder Militao suffering another ACL injury, AS in Spain report.
Militao was stretchered off in the weekend’s 4-0 win over Osasuna, and the defender is expected to miss the remainder of the season, having missed most of last season as well.
But while Ramos appeared to declare he was ready to step in physically, posting a training video, Real have “unanimously agreed” against bringing him back.
AS writes: “Sergio Ramos will not return to Real Madrid. It is decided. But a centre-back will come in January. It is also decided. These are very intense hours in Chamartín; meetings, debates and calls.
“There is movement, because there will be movement. Since Militao's injury, signing a centre-back has become non-negotiable. Urgent. And in this short time, two decisions have already been made: Sergio Ramos will not come, but neither will a 'patch' be signed.
“All roads point to January, where a signing for several years will be undertaken. It will hurt more or less, but it is time to spend. Sign a proven centre-back, with immediate performance and a certain projection. And the radar has been narrowed down: Laporte, Lukeba and Tah. It will be one of those three. Not Sergio Ramos.”
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/11/10/4060959-82356828-2560-1440.jpg)
Van Nistelrooy savours ‘beautiful’ send-off as he waits to learn Man Utd fate
Video credit: SNTV
Major clubs eye Chelsea star
Clubs across Europe are monitoring Kiano Dyer’s current situation at Chelsea, the Daily Mail reports.
The 17-year-old midfielder is the son of former West Brom and Leicester winger Lloyd Dyer, and his displays have caught the attention of Chelsea’s rivals, who could offer the player a greater path to first-team football.
The report adds: “The England Under-19 international has been a stand-out performer this season, culminating in being named the Premier League Two's player of the month last week.
“His progress has also been recognised by Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca, who called him into the first-team squad for the Europa Conference League tie with Gent.
“Scouts from home and abroad are following developments and are due to watch him for England U19s in Bulgaria this week for their European Championship qualifiers against Lithuania, Bulgaria and Belgium.
Chelsea have been actively snapping up top young talents from across the globe but were stung by the recent departure of highly-rated Rio Nguhoma to Liverpool. The 16-year-old was training with Arne Slot's first team last week just to compound the loss felt by Chelsea.”
- - -
Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and much more live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement