Enzo Maresca has provided a transfer update on Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku amid reported interest from Manchester United.
Chelsea Advance To Club World Cup Knockouts With Win Over ES Tunis
Chelsea booked their spot in the Club World Cup knockout stage with a comfortable 3-0 win over ES Tunis in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
The Blues took the lead in the third minute of injury time in the first half, with Tosin Adarabioyo heading home from Enzo Fernandez’s free kick, before Liam Delap opened his account for the club two minutes later to double his side’s advantage heading into the half-time break.
Continuing the trend of injury time goals, youngster Tyrique George sealed the victory for Chelsea with a powerful effort from distance in the 97th minute.
It confirmed a second-place finish in Group D for Enzo Maresca’s side, who will face Benfica in the last-16. They meet at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Saturday, 28 June.
We progress to the Round of 16! ⏭️ pic.twitter.com/v1VaUN6Tjz
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) June 25, 2025
Maresca praised his players for their patience following the triumph.
“We were quite patient, and when we scored the first goal, the game became a little more open and a little easier for us,” he said.
“It’s impossible not to rotate players because playing every three days in these conditions means it’s not possible for them to play every game. The ones who played were good, and we’ve given some rest to many players.
“It’s important to recover the energy and try to win the next game.”
The Italian continued, touching on their opponents in the next round.
“We know Benfica is a top club, with a top manager and top players.
“It’s going to be tough, but from 32 we are now into the round of 16 – and our next target is to go into the quarter-finals.”
Maresca Provides Nkunku Transfer Update Amid Manchester United Interest
Not only did the Blues boss speak about the game and the Club World Cup going forward, but he also provided a transfer update on French attacker Christopher Nkunku.
Nkunku featured for the entire 90 minutes against Tunis and has played in two of Chelsea’s three matches while out in the U.S.
He has struggled to nail down a regular starting spot since his £52m move from RB Leipzig two years ago, however. Last season, he made just nine Premier League starts.
According to reports, the 27-year-old is drawing interest from Manchester United.
Seemingly unsure whether Nkunku will remain with the Blues, Maresca said: “If Christo is here with us, it is because we think he can help us, and he can be with us even next season. But as you said, there are many speculations, not just about Christo, about many players.”
He added: “And then if something is going to happen, I don’t know because we said many times when the transfer window is open, anything can happen in terms of players that can arrive or players that can leave.”
Meanwhile, Chelsea are believed to be interested in Red Devils star Alejandro Garnacho. A swap for Nkunku has been mooted, and a deal may develop upon the Blues’ return to the UK.
Fellow Premier League side Aston Villa are also interested in signing Garnacho.
In other news, Chelsea are advancing on a move to sign Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens. The England U21 international is set to join on a seven-year contract once a club-to-club agreement is reached. He will reportedly cost in the region of £50m to £55m.
