"Decided to leave": Manager basically confirms 23-year-old star is on his way to Arsenal
Arsenal are on the cusp of securing their fourth signing of the summer transfer window.
The Gunners recently confirmed the arrival of Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard, and the next signing could be made pretty soon.
The club have reached an agreement with Chelsea to sign winger Noni Madueke for £52 million, and he has been handed permission to return to the UK to undergo the necessary medical tests.
Ahead of the Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca was asked about the winger’s future. He confirmed that a deal could be announced in the next few hours.
He said (via BBC Sport): “Noni is in contact with the new club and I guess he is going to be [announced] in the next hours.”
The Italian tactician added that the England international personally ‘decided to leave’ the Blues for the Gunners, and the club did not push him through the exit door.
He added: “I said in one of the last press conferences if a player wants to leave then in the end it is difficult for the club and manager. Noni decided to leave – no-one said to Noni he has to leave. If he is happy, we are happy.”
There has been a mixed reaction among Arsenal fans regarding the pursuit of Madueke, but the vast majority should support the 23-year-old, now that he has agreed to join the club.
Madueke had a reasonably decent campaign with the Blues last term, registering 16 goal contributions. He impressed with his dribbling skills and ability to get behind defences with pace.
He still needs to improve his finishing, having squandered numerous big chances. Under manager Mikel Arteta, he has the opportunity to polish his skills and become an elite wide player.
Madueke is a specialist right winger who has occasionally played from the left. He may be considered as a backup for Bukayo Saka if Arsenal were to sign Real Madrid’s Rodrygo this summer.
The Gunners have received encouragement in the pursuit of Rodrygo. Real Madrid seem open to cashing in on the Brazilian. He was left regularly on the bench at the Club World Cup by manager Xabi Alonso.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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