Christopher Nkunku faces an uncertain future at Chelsea after struggling to force himself into Enzo Maresca's side. The 27-year-old forward has been heavily linked with moves to Bayern Munich and Manchester United this month, as they both look to bolster their attacking options.

Despite having featured 29 times for the Blues across all competitions this season, Nkunku has only played 1200 minutes. In fact, the France international, who sees his contract expire in June 2029, has only averaged about 42 minutes an appearance while scoring 13 goals and providing four assists.

While he's impressed in the Conference League, he's been rather disappointing when called off the bench in the Premier League. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up everything you need to know about Nkunku and his future at Chelsea.

READ MORE: Chelsea stance on Christopher Nkunku transfer revealed amid Manchester United bid

READ MORE: Chelsea get Alejandro Garnacho and Mathys Tel transfer green light in huge Enzo Maresca boost

United still fancy Nkunku deal – but there's an issue...

According to Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, Manchester United remain interested in signing Nkunku, but the Frenchman doesn't want to leave Chelsea on loan. As quoted by GiveMeSport, the Italian journalist said: "My information is that at the moment, there are no concrete movements for Nkunku.

"And my information as of today is that Nkunku doesn't want to leave on loan. So if some club arrives [on] deadline day, they pay big money, I don't know, 60, 65, 70 million pounds, and sign the player on a permanent transfer. Never say never.

"But loan deal is not expected to be attractive for the player. So the links between Nkunku and Man United on loan are something that at the moment I can't confirm."

Bayern hold interest in Nkunku

Last month, football.london reported that Bayern Munich were interested in signing Nkunku. Meanwhile, Mathys Tel had emerged as a target for the Blues, with Maresca eager to strengthen his frontline.

football.london understands that the West Londoners made contact with Bayern over a potential deal for the 19-year-old forward. Chelsea, who have long admired Tel, asked the Bavarians if the Frenchman would be available to sign following an initial enquiry last summer.

The Blues did not, however, discuss or offer Nkunku as part of a swap deal, football.london understands. The prospect of a potential move to the Allianz Arena has since fizzled out...

United have Chelsea back-up plan

According to ESPN, United are trying to sign one of Nkunku or Tel before the 11pm deadline after offloading Marcus Rashford on loan to Aston Villa. The report states that Ruben Amorim's side are prioritising a move for the Bayern Munich teenager, with the Chelsea ace regarded as a 'back-up option' in case a deal collapses.

Nkunku price tag

Chelsea forked out £52m to sign Nkunku from RB Leipzig in 2023. Despite a few injuries and some underwhelming performances in the Premier League, Transfermarkt still value the Frenchman at €50m (£41.6m). That said, Fabrizio Romano claims the Blues have given Nkunku a price tag of €70m (£59.1m), meanwhile, The Telegraph put that figure closer to £65m.

Maresca makes his feelings known

Last month, Maresca was asked whether the former RB Leipzig star has expressed a desire to leave the club. The Blues boss replied: "No, no. We didn't speak about nothing with Christopher.

"But the last time I said that [he will listen if a player tells him they want to leave], it's because in the end, we want all the players, as we said before, to try to be happy; knowing the ones that are not playing, they are not happy. It is normal."

Maresca added: "I think also in this case, Christopher also wants to play and he wants to be happy. He's 27, probably the oldest one. No matter the age, the players want to play and if they do not play, then they are not happy."