Just when it looked like it might be a quiet afternoon, top transfer insider David Ornstein has turned up with a major transfer exclusive.
The Athletic’s transfer man is back with a major update on the rumours about Chelsea winger Noni Madueke and a potential move to Arsenal. He says the Gunners have “made contact with Chelsea” over the signing, having already agreed personal terms with the winger over a proposed 5 year deal.
He adds that no deal has been made yet – but also that the England player is prioritising Arsenal “above any other interested sides.”
Madueke closes in on move away after two and a half years at Chelsea
All signs are now pointing to this happening. While a fee has to be agreed, there’s no way that both teams would have let things come so far on the player side if they didn’t think there was common ground to be found in terms of the fee.
Selling Madueke will by no means be a universally popular move among Chelsea fans. While he’s still frustrating at times, he’s made big improvements in his two and a half years at the club, and some are convinced we’re selling him on just as he’s about to establish himself as a top winger.
Transfer could be wrapped up very soon as summer sales get into gear
Things are likely to move pretty quickly now. Chelsea will be returning from the Club World Cup next week and their focus at that point is likely to be purely on sales. With personal terms agreed, we could yet see things advance super quickly.
The question then becomes – is new signing Jamie Gittens a major upgrade on Madueke long term? It’s a debate that could go on for some time.
Did anyone else notice the contrast in energy and commitment between Madueke and Cole Palmer the other night against Palmeiras. Palmer was 80 mins into the match and pressing the ball like his life depended on it. Meanwhile, Madueke has just come on and he looked mostly indifferent. Totally inexcusable!
If Madueke were 18, 19, 20 you could perhaps chalk it up to immaturity, but at his age it’s pretty hard to blame his lack of commitment on youth. It’s on full display for anyone who pays close attention and comments from the manager are quite damning in the sense that this is a pervasive issue and extends to the training ground. So, yeah, maybe he one day grows out of it, but are we really wanting to take that gamble at a moment when the rest of this young squad is really starting to come into its own? Personally, if the price is right, I think we’d do well to move this prima donna while he still has maximum value because his it will only drop if he falls further out of favor with Maresca and starts riding the bench.
Agreed with your assertion! Too self-centred! Uncountable off the goal shot! We dont need him!
He is whats termed a luxury player..
I like him.. he’s infectious, seems to have fun, the other players like him.. BUT he is very inconsistent, loses more dribbles than he wins… seems to have lost the ability to consistently beat players..
He does have a good shooting technique though, rarely off target.. Gittens however has defenders on toast, and his shooting is also strong… A good move I think.
another Raheem Sterling. great result if 55mill is correct . another victory to the blues.
he loosen more drinles than he wins, his tackles are O. he doesn’t carry a winning mentality like the rest of the squad members, obviously nothing close to neto, arsenal will suit him well.
I like him to be honest but he hasn’t done so well this season. A good deal for the right price would prefer he went abroad to not our competition