Enzo Maresca has made it clear that Chelsea never considered letting Christopher Nkunku leave in January, despite widespread speculation about his future.
The French forward has struggled for Premier League minutes this season, leading to reports that he was eager to depart Stamford Bridge during the winter transfer window.
Both Manchester United and Bayern Munich were linked with the 27-year-old, but no deal materialised.
Speaking ahead of Chelsea's FA Cup fourth-round clash with Brighton & Hove Albion, Maresca dismissed any suggestion of a move, stating that Nkunku was always part of the club’s plans.
When asked if the forward, who has started just three Premier League games this season, would have a bigger role in the coming months, Maresca responded: "Yes, for sure, for sure. I spoke already last week about Christo. Against West Ham, he played already more or less half an hour. From now on, he can hopefully get some more minutes and help us."
He added: "I was with the club and we were sure before the transfer window that Christo was one of the players that our intention was to keep him."
While Nkunku stayed in West London, Joao Felix was one of the few players to leave, completing a late loan move to AC Milan for the remainder of the season.
Like Nkunku, Felix had found himself sidelined for much of the season under Maresca, but has made an immediate impact in Italy. He scored just minutes into his Milan debut, netting the third goal in a 3-1 Coppa Italia victory over AS Roma.
Maresca explained that the decision for the Portuguese playmaker, who only signed permanently for Chelsea in the summer, to join Milan was a mutual one.
"Players train every day and want to play all of the games but unfortunately there are just 11 playing all of the games," he explained. "We decided, all together, that it was a good option for him to leave."
When asked if Felix was frustrated by his lack of game time, Maresca responded: "No, to be honest, he never complained. He has been very good with us, professional, just a matter of my decision."
"The reason why is because I think we need defensive balance and when you have so many attacking players, sometimes you can concede transitions and goals," he added. "I don't like that."
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