Chelsea have reportedly warned Christopher Nkunku, Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk that the trio are ‘playing for their futures’ at the club.
Enzo Maresca has a depth of options available in his forward line following the club’s summer business. Joao Felix, Jadon Sancho and Pedro Neto all arrived for significant fees during the transfer window, while Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson have started the season in superb form.
It leaves uncertain futures for several of Chelsea’s attacking names and TBR Football are reporting that the Blues have informed some stars are ‘playing for their futures’.
Mudryk’s struggles in a Chelsea shirt have been well-documented with the Ukraine international having failed to live up to expectations since his arrival from Shakhtar Donetsk, in a deal that could reach £88.5m, in January 2023.
The 23-year-old has featured for just 61 minutes in the Premier League so far this season and was hauled off at half-time in his only start against Wolves.
Nkunku facing fight to save Chelsea career
Nkunku’s time at Chelsea has been ravaged by injury problems. A £52m arrival from RB Leipzig, he started just two games last season after picking up knee and hamstring problems.
Despite being praised by Maresca in pre-season, the Frenchman has not started a league game since the opening weekend with Nicolas Jackson preferred at centre-forward and Cole Palmer impressing as a number ten.
Madueke has started the season in encouraging form and scored a hat-trick in the 6-2 win at Wolves last month. His form earned the 22-year-old an England debut in September, though the arrivals of Neto and Sancho have increased the competition for a regular role.
