Report: Chelsea are open to keeping £195k-a-week star who's just been described as 'useless' by Gary Neville

Several players in Chelsea’s squad are not performing right now, and that was clear to see on Friday.

Enzo Maresca‘s men lost 3-0 against Brighton & Hove Albion, meaning that they have won just two of their last nine Premier League fixtures.

• Friday 14th February
  Premier League

  • BrightonBrighton

    3|0

    ChelseaChelsea

• Monday 3rd February
  Premier League

  • ChelseaChelsea

    2|1

    West HamWest Ham

• Saturday 25th January
  Premier League

  • Man CityManchester City

    3|1

    ChelseaChelsea

• Monday 20th January
  Premier League

  • ChelseaChelsea

    3|1

    WolvesWolves

• Tuesday 14th January
  Premier League

  • ChelseaChelsea

    2|2

    B'mouthBournemouth

• Saturday 4th January
  Premier League

  • Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace

    1|1

    ChelseaChelsea

• Monday 30th December
  Premier League

  • IpswichIpswich

    2|0

    ChelseaChelsea

• Thursday 26th December
  Premier League

  • ChelseaChelsea

    1|2

    FulhamFulham

• Sunday 22nd December
  Premier League

  • EvertonEverton

    0|0

    ChelseaChelsea

The likes of Christopher Nkunku and Jadon Sancho have really struggled of late, while Nicolas Jackson was also on a bad run of form before his injury.

While the goals have dried up for him, it has been claimed that Atletico Madrid are interested in signing Jackson.

• READ MORE: One winner and four losers from Chelsea’s defeat vs Brighton, including Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku

Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Chelsea open to keeping Christopher Nkunku

Nkunku was heavily linked with a move away from Chelsea during the January transfer window.

After speculation about a potential switch to the Allianz Arena, it is being reported that Nkunku could still join Bayern Munich in the summer.

At the same time, though, it has also been claimed that Chelsea are not against the idea of retaining the forward.

According to GiveMeSport, while an exit has not been ruled out, the Blues are open to keeping hold of Nkunku.

Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images

Gary Neville slams Christopher Nkunku

The whole Chelsea team played badly against Brighton in their 3-0 defeat on Friday. However, Gary Neville was very critical of Nkunku and Cole Palmer as an attacking pair.

When Neville discussed Nkunku and Palmer‘s lack of impact after the game, he said: “They needed him (Palmer) to deliver. And Nkunku, who’s been stop-start since he came to Chelsea, it’s time now for him to step up. These two are really, really talented players. Go and win your team games. I thought they were useless as a pair tonight being honest with you.”

Nkunku is thought to be on a £195,000-a-week contract at Chelsea. Costing the club that amount of money, the 27-year-old has not done enough in a blue shirt.

He has had injuries and been overlooked by Maresca this season. But when Nkunku is given an opportunity, the Frenchman can be guilty of not influencing games enough and disappearing during matches.

Nkunku is at his best when he gets to play alongside a recognised centre-forward, which has not happened too often since his arrival at Chelsea. But a player of his quality, playing slightly out of position is not an excuse for so many lacklustre performances.

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