Chelsea wingerNoni Madueke is on the verge of a shock £52 million move to Arsenal — and it turns out he made the decision himself.
Blues boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Madueke chose to leave, not the club. Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s Club World Cup final, Maresca said.
“Noni decided to leave. Nobody told Noni he had to go. If he is happy, we are happy.”
The 23-year-old is set to sign a five-year deal with Mikel Arteta’s side, with personal terms already agreed. A formal announcement is expected soon.
The two London clubs have reached an agreement for the England international, who has left Chelsea’s World Cup camp to complete the move.
Madueke, who joined Chelsea in January 2023, was a regular last season and even played the full Conference League final, helping Chelsea beat Real Betis to win the trophy.
But behind the scenes, his focus had started to shift. At the ongoing Club World Cup, Maresca benched him in the semi-final against Fluminense, citing concerns about his mentality.
The two London clubs have reached an agreement for the England international, who has left Chelsea’s World Cup camp to complete the move.
Madueke, who joined Chelsea in January 2023, was a regular last season and even played the full Conference League final, helping Chelsea beat Real Betis to win the trophy.
But behind the scenes, his focus had started to shift. At the ongoing Club World Cup, Maresca benched him in the semi-final against Fluminense, citing concerns about his mentality.
