Frank Sinclair is fearful that Chelsea would be making a ‘crazy mistake’ if they were to sell Noni Madueke to Arsenal this summer.
Chelsea have prioritised attacking reinforcements in the early part of the summer window and have already completed deals for Liam Delap and Joao Pedro.
The Blues are also closing in on the signing of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens as they look to add depth in wide areas following the departure of Jadon Sancho and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mykhailo Mudryk.
Despite their desire to strengthen, Enzo Maresca’s side are still happy to cash in on their attacking talent, and Madueke appears to be one of the players whom Chelsea will entertain offers for.
The 23-year-old recorded 16 goal contributions in 41 games in all competitions last season, but has been linked with a surprise £50million move to Arsenal.
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The Gunners are also looking to add depth in wide areas this summer, but Sinclair believes his former club would be foolish to part ways with Madueke at this point in his career.
‘I think that would be going against the grain of what Chelsea are trying to achieve,’ Sinclair told Metro via Kasinoseta.com.
‘They have been recruiting a young squad and letting them develop for four or five years and Madueke should be a big part of those plans, given how he has grown.
‘He’s got that recognition from England now as well, and that’s brought his confidence on even more.
‘Pedro Neto is obviously also on that right side, but given the competitions Chelsea are in next season, you need all these players if you are going to compete and bridge that gap at the top of the table.
‘I would be surprised if they let him go. I know Arsenal like to come in for the odd Chelsea player every now and again, but for me, that would just be crazy to let Madueke go, especially to a rival.’
Sinclair backs ‘aggressive’ Joao Pedro to impress
Should Madueke stay at Stamford Bridge this summer, the Englishman will find himself up against new summer signing Joao Pedro for minutes in Maresca’s attacking quartet.
The Brazilian, whose £60m move to Chelsea was confirmed on Wednesday, scored ten league goals last season but Sinclair believes the 23-year-old can kick on and fill a gap in Maresca’s side.
‘I feel like he’s a player who will bring a lot of aggressiveness to Chelsea which I think they’ve missed in the front line,’ added Sinclair.
‘Nicolas Jackson has done it, but it’s not his game and there’s an obvious place on the left wing where he can play and give the team balance, as he’s right-footed.
‘I think there will be different formations for different games, though. When they are playing teams where they feel they can control the midfield a lot easier, they might play Palmer as a No10.
‘But there might be times when they want three more combative midfielders, and then Palmer can go out to that right side.
‘But I see Joao Pedro being the one who plays on that left side – he brings pace, he scores goals, and it still allows for Jackson and Delap to have that competition for the striker role.’
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