Arsenal
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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has seemingly left the door open for winger Noni Madueke to depart the club, despite praising his contributions to the team over the last campaign.
Madueke, 23, has been an integral part of Maresca’s squad, making 41 appearances across all competitions for the Blues.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are close to agreeing personal terms with Madueke ahead of a potential switch to north London.
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“Noni has been very important for us,” Maresca said. “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.” Madueke was a second-half substitute in Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Palmeiras in the Club World Cup quarter-final on Friday.
Maresca’s comments suggest that Madueke’s future at Chelsea is uncertain, with the player reportedly open to joining Arsenal. The Gunners are looking to strengthen their attack this summer, with Mikel Arteta’s side also holding interest in the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Victor Gyokeres, and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.
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Arsenal have been actively pursuing new signings this summer, with several deals reportedly in the pipeline.
The club has already confirmed the signings of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Nørgaard have also seal a permanent move to the club.
Declan Rice against Noni Madueke
Declan Rice against Noni Madueke (Image credit: Getty Images
The Gunners are also reportedly close to agreeing deals for Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.
If Madueke joins Arsenal, he would become the latest Chelsea player to make the switch during Arteta’s tenure, following David Luiz, Willian, Jorginho, Kai Havertz, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Chelsea have strengthened their attack this summer with the arrivals of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens. Meanwhile, Maresca was asked about a potential move for West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, who currently has an £85 million release clause. “Mohammed is a West Ham player, he is not our player, so I can’t say nothing,” Maresca responded. “Only thing I can say is I know Kudus since Ajax.”
The Gunners will be looking to build on their impressive performances last season and make a push for major honors. With a strong squad and astute transfer dealings, Arsenal could be a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
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