Enzo Maresca has said he wants Christopher Nkunku to stay at Chelsea, but said unhappy players can leave the club.
Nkunku has struggled for first-team football this season and has started just twice in the Premier League. His lack of minutes in the league comes despite a prolific record in cup competition.
The France international has scored 12 goals from 11 starts in all competitions but has been unable to dislodge Nicolas Jackson or Cole Palmer from the Premier League side.
Nkunku has been linked with leaving Chelsea in the January transfer window, having become unsettled with his role at Stamford Bridge. Manchester United and Barcelona are among the clubs credited with interest.
Maresca has insisted the 27-year-old is part of his plans but suggested he will not stand in the way of unhappy players.
“We like Christo and we want him here,” Maresca said, as per Sky Sports.
“There will always be players that are not happy and some that will ask to leave in January.
“I am not sure if they will be Christo’s or another player’s case. We want to keep them here because we are happy with them here.
We aren’t thinking about players who want to leave. In case this happens, we are going to see.
“But in this moment we are not thinking this player has to leave or that player. We are just thinking how to win games.
“Then, if they knock on the door and they want to leave, I’m not going to say: ‘No, no you have to stay here, 100 per cent’.
“If they want to leave, the best thing for everyone is that the players who aren’t happy are going to leave.”
