• Nkunku’s Reduced Role:
  • Despite scoring 13 goals this season, Nkunku has mostly played in secondary competitions and struggled for minutes in the Premier League.
  • Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson have limited his opportunities, keeping him out of his preferred attacking midfield role.
• Statistical Comparison:
  • Nkunku outperforms Jackson in key metrics like xG (0.95 vs. 0.63), key passes (1.61 vs. 1.11), and shot-creating actions (4.14 vs. 3.16).
  • Both players contribute similarly to build-up play, making them less complementary in Maresca’s system.
• Wage Concerns:
  • Nkunku’s £195,000 weekly wage is one of the highest at Chelsea, exceeding those of key players like Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer.
• Transfer Benefits:
  • Selling Nkunku, valued at £65m, would significantly reduce Chelsea’s wage bill and generate funds for reinforcements.
  • This aligns with Chelsea’s financial strategy of streamlining costs under new ownership.
• Potential Replacements:
  • Mathys Tel is linked as part of a possible deal with Bayern Munich but offers traits similar to Jackson.
  • Liam Delap, with his physicality and box presence, could provide the "bully" striker profile Chelsea currently lack.
• Strategic Squad Building:
  • Moving Nkunku would free up space for Chelsea to sign a more specialized striker, enhancing tactical flexibility and addressing the team’s goal-scoring inconsistencies.

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Chelsea's top ten earners 2024/25 season

Player Wage (£)

Reece James - £250,000

Ben Chilwell - £200,000

Wesley Fofana - £200,000

Christopher Nkunku - £195,000

Enzo Fernández - £180,000

Marc Cucurella - £175,000

Raheem Sterling - £162,500

Pedro Neto - £160,000

Moises Caicedo - £150,000

Cole Palmer - £130,000

Sourced by Capology.

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