Maresca confirms Madueke's Arsenal move is imminent
It looks like the transfer saga surrounding Noni Madueke could soon be over, with Enzo Maresca confirming he is closing in on a move.
Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Noni Madueke is leaving Chelsea, with the forward expected to sign for Arsenal.
Madueke has been linked with a move to the Emirates this transfer window, with Arsenal reportedly agreeing a fee in the region of £50m for him.
He apparently left Chelsea's Club World Cup camp on Friday in order to travel back to London and complete a medical at Arsenal.
Madueke had featured in five of the Blues' matches en route to the final, but he will play no part in the showpiece against Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.
Since the start of the 2024-25 campaign, Madueke has netted 11 goals, including a hat-trick in the Premier League against Wolves, and registered four assists in 46 appearances in all competitions.
In that time, only Cole Palmer (162) has attempted more shots than the 23-year-old (102), who had the fourth-highest goal tally among Chelsea players.
Maresca said in his press conference ahead of the final that he expected Madueke's switch to Arsenal to be announced very soon.
"Noni is in contact with the new club, and I guess he is going to be [announced soon]," Maresca told reporters.
When quizzed further on why Chelsea would opt to sell a player to a direct rival, Maresca added: "I said in one of the last press conferences that if players want to leave, then it is difficult for the club and the manager.
"Noni decided to leave. Nobody told Noni he had to leave. If he is happy, we are happy."
Madueke joined Chelsea from PSV in January 2023, signing a seven-and-a-half-year contract, with his first goal for the club coming against Arsenal in May that year.
