We already know Maresca's Nkunku verdict but fans may disagree

The transfer rumour mill is in full motion at present. As it is New Year's Eve at the time of writing, the January market begins tomorrow. That means we could soon see some incoming players at Chelsea. And, potentially, a few unwanted Blues might perhaps also be shipped out in no time whatsoever.

Permanent exits and arrivals are pretty much promised at Stamford Bridge, if you read reports and recall what manager Enzo Maresca has stated. There is the chance that loan signings may transpire, that includes peripheral assets possibly leaving temporarily too. The west Londoners love loaning out up-and-coming starlets; they kickstarted that trend on a massive scale years ago.

Specific hearsay targets certain Chelsea stars at the moment. One of them was out of favour winger Mykhailo Mudryk. Mudryk did all right in the Europa Conference League, to be fair. Yet he is not trusted by Maresca in the more important Premier League. Allegations of doping have further derailed the Ukrainian's progress; a plausible switch to other teams is now on ice as well.

Another arguably undervalued member of the Chels squad is apparently on the radar of external top flight clubs too. That's if we trust reports over the festive period. Christopher Nkunku is clearly very talented, and he absolutely shone in the UECL. Nevertheless, he hasn't performed well in his seldom EPL appearances, especially when starting as the main striker.

Now it is said that one of the Blues' London rivals are interested in acquiring the Frenchman. However, many of you will already be aware of Maresca's Nkunku verdict. Will the Italian's stance on the skilful attacker change any media chatter in this instance? Will the 27-year-old leave CFC? And do vocal fans agree with the gaffer?

Arsenal and Barcelona reportedly want Chelsea forward

"Chelsea are likely to offload a few players in the upcoming January transfer window, and one of them could be of interest to Barcelona.

CaughtOffside were previously told about Nkunku looking to push for a move out of Chelsea this January, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain emerging as possible destinations."

CaughtOffside

If the above quote is accurate, CFC bosses have a big decision to make. Yet Maresca's mind is already made up:

"We like Christo and we want him here"

Maresca

Though many supporters are impatient towards Nkunku. But the France international will probably stay on Fulham Road for now: