Enzo Maresca has told Noni Madueke he should leave Chelsea if he is ‘unhappy’ at the club, amid strong transfer interest from Arsenal.
Despite enjoying a good 2024/25 season, recording 16 goal contributions in 41 games, Chelsea are reportedly open to selling Madueke this summer.
The Blues have been very active in the transfer market, notably signing forwards Joao Pedro, Estevao and Jamie Gittens for a combined £139million.
Their arrival may force Madueke out of the team, which may lead to him seeking a move away from Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal are desperate to sign a new wide-attacker and have shortlisted the England international alongside Eberechi Eze, Rodrygo and Anthony Gordon.
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Valued at £50m by Chelsea, the 23-year-old would be the cheapest option but it remains to be seen whether the Gunners are willing to pay that price tag.
The Guardian report that Madueke, who spent time in Tottenham’s academy, is open to moving across London, just as Kepa Arrizabala has done, and could actually be available for £40m.
Nothing will be decided until after the Club World Cup where Chelsea have reached the semi-finals following a 2-1 win against Palmeries in Philadelphia.
Madueke came on in the 54th minute of Saturday’s match alongside debutant Pedro and afterward Maresca revealed the winger was ‘free to go’ if he wanted.
‘Noni has been very important for us during this season,’ the Blues head coach insisted in his pre-match press conference.
Noni Madueke Chelsea stats
Appearances: 91
Goals: 20
Assists: 9
Trophies: Conference League
‘Today, again, he has been important. But my message to the players and to the club is that I want just players that are happy to be with us.
‘The ones that are not happy, they are free to go. It’s not for Noni, it’s for all the players we have.
‘But again, Noni has been very good during the season and very good tonight.’
Chelsea will take on Fluminense in the Club World Cup semi-final but will have to do so without a number of players thanks to injury and suspension.
Romeo Lavia and Reece James have picked up injuries while Levi Colwill and Liam Delap are suspended after picking up their second yellow cards of the tournament.
Asked if Pedro could make his full debut against Fluminese in Delap’s place, Maresca responded: ‘Yes, since he arrived, the reason why we decided for him is because since he arrived, even if he was on holiday, he looks sharp, he looks good.
‘And we gave him some minutes. Also, I think he was just inside when they scored. And I think since he was inside, him and Noni, I think, again, we were much better.
‘So, we knew him very well. The reason why he’s here is because we like him and we are sure that he’s going to help us.’
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