Massimiliano Allegri has already run into the same problem as Enzo Maresca with Christopher Nkunku
Christopher Nkunku would have been looking forward to a fresh start at AC Milan after a difficult couple of years at Chelsea.
Milan signed Nkunku from Chelsea towards the end of the summer transfer window, but the forward is yet to make much of an impact.
Massimiliano Allegri has already run into a bit of a problem with him, an issue that Enzo Maresca will be familiar with.
After several complications in attack this season, there may be some regret about selling Nkunku at Chelsea. However, Maresca could not really find a position for him at the time.
Photo by sportinfoto/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Christopher Nkunku struggling to find a position at AC Milan after similar issue at Chelsea
Similarly, Allegri is also finding it difficult to fit the 27-year-old into his Milan team. According to journalist Daniele Longo, the Italian only sees Nkunku as a “second striker”.
Fin qui, poco e nulla. E Allegri lo vede solo seconda punta, il suo vero ruolo. Investimento da 42 milioni. Ha i colpi e l’esperienza per determinare e crescere ma la sensazione è che ci siano ancora delle scorie delle ultime due stagioni al Chelsea pic.twitter.com/Nj85J6Ublg
— Daniele Longo (@86_longo) October 28, 2025
View Tweet
Despite being able to play up front and out wide, Maresca also thought Nkunku’s best position was behind a more natural centre-forward.
He recently told La Gazzetta dello Sport at the Trento 2025 Sports Festival: “He’s strong, I’ve said it several times. We have Cole Palmer in his position, and it would have been difficult for him. But he’s a strong player.”
Since arriving at the San Siro, the Frenchman has only made one start in all competitions, showing that Allegri really is struggling to find a role for him.
Chelsea fans reacted positively to Nkunku’s sale, believing that the club got a very good fee for him.
It was reported that Milan paid around £36m for the former RB Leipzig star.
Photo by Giuseppe Cottini/AC Milan via Getty Images
Christopher Nkunku’s stats since leaving Chelsea
In total, Nkunku has made six appearances for Milan following his arrival from Stamford Bridge in August.
Across those games, the Frenchman has only managed to score one goal, which came in the Coppa Italia.
Christopher Nkunku’s AC Milan statsAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsSerie A5000Coppa Italia1110Total6110
There is still plenty of time for Nkunku to turn things around but, unfortunately, his spell at Milan so far is already looking quite similar to his Chelsea one.
While he could have actually been of use to the Blues right now with Palmer injured and Delap just returning from injury, selling him for £36m was probably the right decision.
