Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca says he wants Noni Madueke to stay at Stamford Bridge next season despite links to Arsenal.
There has been speculation that the Gunners have made enquiries about the 23-year-old’s availability, but speaking ahead of the Club World Cup group game against Flamengo, Maresca said:
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“Noni is our player, you can read a lot of speculation at the moment but we consider Noni our player for the coming season.”
Madueke scored 11 goals and provided 5 assists in 41 appearances last campaign, helping Chelsea to a 4th place finish in Maresca’s first year in charge.
Why are Arsenal interested in Madueke?
More than one source has suggested that Chelsea will consider offers for the England international this summer. They are not actively looking to sell but they could agree to offload him if a team matches his asking price.
With Arsenal seeking a new wide player, it is not a complete surprise that Madueke has come under consideration. He is left-footed so he could provide support for Bukayo Saka on the right wing.
Maresca has also deployed him on the left flank in recent months, so his positional flexibility would make him an attractive target for manager Mikel Arteta.
Are the club pursuing other wide players?
A move for Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams now looks dead in the water. Barcelona are favourites to secure the Spaniard’s services.
There are several alternatives that sporting director Andrea Berta is keen on. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon are believed to be high up the list of options.
Where Madueke features on that list, it is not known, but he is clearly one of the forwards who has been looked at.
In other news, David Ornstein confirms that a midfielder’s transfer to Arsenal is all but “done”