Former Chelsea midfielder Emmanuel Petit has explained why he thinks Christopher Nkunku isn't getting minutes in the Premier League for the Blues.
The Frenchman is Chelsea's top scorer in all competitions this season with 10 goals, but has been limited to just one start in the top flight – that being against Manchester City on the opening day.
Speaking to Casino Hawks, Petit, said he believes that Nkunku isn't being chosen by manager Enzo Marsca because of the inbound Estevao.
Chelsea signed Estevao, who is one of Brazilian football's most promising young stars, in the summer for a fee of £28 million.
He currently remains with Palmeiras, however, and won't join up with the Blues until next summer.
Petit said: "Nkunku isn’t being prioritised at Chelsea because of who is coming in to play in that position, Estevao Willian."
"This is a player who has broken Neymar’s records in Brazil and has so much quality despite only being 17," he explained. "His agent says that everything is clear with the Chelsea board in terms of plans and he’ll be playing in the number 10 position next season."
Petit, who spent the final three years of his playing career with Chelsea between 2001 and 2004, added: "Nkunku has done well and has also played well for France, but his injuries have held him back, and although Chelsea will be very happy to keep him, he isn’t their priority."
Petit: United should sign Nkunku
Amid his lack of Premier League game time, it has been reported that Nkunku is unhappy at Stamford Bridge and could seek to leave West London in the near future.
Both his boyhood club Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United are understood to be interested in the 27-year-old.
French newspaper L'Equipe claim that Chelsea are open to selling Nkunku, and Petit believes United and their new manager Ruben Amorim should be the ones to try and land him.
"Ruben Amorim has a clear philosophy and knows exactly what he wants from his players," Petit explained. ”He has an identity and he wants intelligent players – Christopher Nkunku is one of those."
He added: "In terms of how he links up with strikers and wingers, he could have a big impact at Old Trafford if Chelsea decide to sell."
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