Exclusive: £52m Chelsea star isn't happy with his playing time, he's considering a summer exit

Today at 04:15 AM

• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

After 10 games played, Chelsea are in fourth place, anticipating a crucial clash with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge before the next international break.

All in all, Enzo Maresca has enjoyed a successful start at Chelsea – he's beginning to create a team out of a squad which was previously a collection of high quality individuals.

Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo are thriving in midfield, and Maresca is starting to find a balanced set up, which hasn't been an easy task in west London of late.

That being said, as a result of Maresca picking a fairly consistent starting side of late, several top-quality players are being left on the sidelines watching on.

And to that end, TBR Football understands that Christopher Nkunku is becoming increasingly concerned with his role in the Chelsea squad under Maresca.

Christopher Nkunku and two others growing concerned with Chelsea chances

Nkunku was one of the first major arrivals of the new Chelsea regime under Todd Boehly, having agreed to join in late 2022, before finally arriving the summer after.

Injuries have been an issue since he arrived at Chelsea for more than £50m, and Nkunku has actually started just three Premier League games.

READ MORE: Robbie Savage says Chelsea will never win the Premier League if they keep starting £25m player

Since signing, Chelsea have also added the likes of Cole Palmer, Noni Madueke, Joao Felix and Pedro Neto – making his chances of becoming a regular under Maresca increasingly difficult.

On their part, Chelsea are very happy with how the squad is shaping up in terms of their strength in depth.

However, some like Nkunku are not happy to sit on the bench in the long-term.

Nkunku is more than happy to fight for his place at Chelsea, and will continue to do so.

The Frenchman will not push to leave in January, but come the summer he will assess the situation.

Enzo Fernandez and Benoit Badiashile also worried about their playing time

TBR understands that Enzo Fernandez and Benoit Badiashile are in similar situations to Nkunku, but again, Chelsea insist that they are very happy with how the squad is shaping up under Maresca.

On his part, Maresca does not have a say on which players should be brought or sold, but he is completely free and able to pick and select the squad as he sees fit. 

Of course, it also has to be noted that Chelsea don't necessarily seem as if they are about to slow down their recruitment drive, either.

Chelsea are scouting Jonathan David regularly right now, and they're also keeping checks on Rayan Cherki at Lyon.

Therefore, Nkunku might consider that writing is on the wall in terms of his long-term future, a player who is far too good to sit on the bench all season.