Chelsea boss Maresca says winger made decision to leave as £52m Arsenal move nears completion
Noni Madueke has completed a dramatic exit from Chelsea, with the 23-year-old winger on the verge of sealing a £52 million move to Premier League rivals Arsenal.
Enzo Maresca confirmed the departure on Friday, revealing that Madueke had personally requested to leave the club despite being a key part of last season’s plans. The England international was granted permission to exit Chelsea’s Club World Cup camp in the United States and fly back to London to undergo a medical with Arsenal.
The move brings an abrupt end to Madueke’s Chelsea career just days before their Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey. Despite travelling with the squad, Madueke will play no further part in the tournament and has already said his goodbyes behind the scenes.
Speaking at a pre-final press conference, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was clear about who initiated the switch.
“Noni is in contact with the new club,” Maresca said. “I guess that he’s going to leave in the next hours.”
When pressed on why Chelsea were willing to sell a young talent to a domestic rival, Maresca was blunt:
Embed from Getty Images“I said in one of the last press conferences — if players want to leave, it’s difficult for the club and the manager. Noni decided to leave. No one said to him, ‘You have to go’. And if he’s happy, we’re happy.”
Madueke’s impending arrival at Arsenal follows weeks of speculation, with Mikel Arteta understood to be a long-time admirer of the winger’s pace and one-on-one ability. Though Chelsea were not actively pushing for a sale, they were open to offers above £50 million, especially after Arsenal expressed firm interest earlier this summer.
The transfer could reignite debate about Chelsea’s transfer policy, particularly their willingness to strengthen a top-four rival, especially at a time when they’re attempting to stabilise under a new manager. However, with Financial Fair Play pressures and Madueke falling down the pecking order since December’s Club World Cup group stages, the decision appears pragmatic.
Despite limited recent starts, Madueke was influential last season, known for his flair and technical ability. His relationship with former manager Mauricio Pochettino reportedly helped his development, but a lack of minutes under Maresca prompted growing frustration.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are preparing for a daunting Club World Cup final against Champions League winners PSG on Sunday. The Parisians arrive in terrifying form, having demolished Real Madrid 4-0 in the semi-finals, just weeks after thrashing Inter Milan 5-0 in the European final.
Maresca acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“I agree with most people who say they [PSG] are the best team in Europe, the best team in the world,” he said. “We have maximum respect — but we are here to try to win the final.”
With Madueke’s Chelsea exit sealed and a European heavyweight awaiting, it’s a weekend of seismic shifts for the Blues.
