Man United eye Chelsea star as first Ruben Amorim transfer as Enzo Maresca explains bold call

Enzo Maresca has just under two weeks on the training pitches at Cobham before Chelsea return to action. After salvaging a point against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Sunday evening, the Blues have nailed third place in the Premier League over the international break.

Gabriel Martinelli put Arsenal ahead on the hour-mark, beating Robert Sanchez at his near post. A few moments later, Pedro Neto netted an equaliser with an excellent strike into the bottom corner from range.

Maresca will be hoping the West Londoners can pick up from where they left off when he returns to King Power Stadium after the interval. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea news and transfer gossip.

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Amorim eyes Chelsea star as first United transfer

According to French outlet L’Equipe, as quoted by the Express , Christopher Nkunku has emerged as a target for Manchester United. Ruben Amorim, who’ll take the reins at Carrington over the next week or so, will be eager to bolster his new side in January.

The report states that the Blues forward is unhappy with his playing time at Stamford bridge, having featured just once in the Premier League this season. It’s said that Nkunku is considering his future, Chelsea are open to selling him and the Red Devils are ready to make a statement signing.

football.london says: “While it would be a blow, it just hasn’t worked out for Christopher Nkunku at Chelsea. If the Blues can recuperate as much of the £52m they paid for him as possible and bring in a orthodox striker – ideally a different profile to Nicolas Jackson – to replace him, that’s decent business.”

Maresca explains Madueke frustration

Enzo Maresca has explained why Noni Madueke beelined to the dressing room after he was brought off during Chelsea’s clash against Arsenal. Speaking to reporters after the game, the Blues boss revealed his player was far from happy.

“The problem is that when you change a player, they're never happy,” said Maresca. “We changed him. It's not only about Noni, it's about all the players. In that moment, we thought in a different way that Pedro [Neto] with [Jurrien] Timber would be more aggressive."

football.london says: “Noni Madueke has every right to be frustrated – no one wants to miss the big games! But, unfortunately, the winger doesn’t really have a leg to stand on. He’s not been in the best of form lately and Chelsea needed some fresh legs. It is what it is at the end of the day.”

Cucurella shows his true colours

Speaking to Premier League Productions after Chelsea's clash against Arsenal, Marc Cucurella heaped praise on Bukayo Saka. The Blues defender said: "It was a tough game. They’ve played together with the same ideas for a long time but we played well. We need to keep going in this way, we are doing well.

"We need to stay in this way and push more. Bukayo Saka is a top player. We’ve played a lot of times against each other, there is huge respect there. It is a good battle and hopefully we can have more.

"I try to not give him space and always be close to him. We knew he is a special talent and do my work and help my team. I tried to show the best of me."

football.london says: “Marc Cucurella had an excellent game against Arsenal – he had Bukayo Saka locked up! The Chelsea ace has been excellent for a while now and Enzo Maresca will be hoping he can continue his great vein of form after the international break."