Arsenal-bound Noni Madueke has said his farewells to Chelsea as he prepares to complete his £52m transfer to Mikel Arteta's side.
The 23-year-old is understood to have passed his medical and agreed a five-year contractwith the Gunners, who are expected to unveil him as their next summer signing in the coming hours.
Madueke missed Chelsea's 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germainin the Club World Cup final in order to complete his switch across the capital, as he ends a two-and-a-half-year stint at Stamford Bridge.
The former PSV Eindhoven and Tottenham Hotspur youngster took to Instagram on Friday afternoon to confirm his departure from the Conference League winners, also extending a personal note of gratitude to head coach Enzo Maresca.
"Dear Chelsea Football Club, I want to thank you for the Last 3 or so years," the winger wrote. "To every staff member that helped me along this journey, thank you.
Madueke extends thanks to Maresca ahead of Arsenal transfer
"To my teammates thank you for everything, I leave with only love and admiration for you guys. We achieved so much this season and I honestly wish you guys nothing but the best. To Enzo Maresca, it was a privilege to play under you, thank you for trying to better me as a player and as a person.
"Lastly thank you to every single Chelsea fan. Thank you for the love, the praise and also the criticism, I appreciate it all. I leave here with nothing but fond memories. Love NM11."
Madueke's two-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge saw the 23-year-old amass 20 goals and nine assists from 92 appearances for the Blues across all tournaments, including 11 strikes and five helpers last term.
The £52m man is poised to become Arsenal's fourth signing of the summer, following ex-Blues teammate Kepa Arrizabalaga to North London, as well as midfield duo Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard.
At least another two arrivals are expected after the England international, as Arsenal are working to finalise an agreement for Viktor Gyokeres and should soon welcome Cristhian Mosquera to the club from Valencia too.
How Madueke might be used at Arsenal after £52m Chelsea move
Chelsea's Noni Madueke celebrates scoring on January 25, 2025
As a left-footed winger who enjoys cutting inside and getting shots off, Madueke's best work often comes from the right flank, but Bukayo Saka's spot in the Arsenal side is not up for debate.
The 23-year-old would be a competent replacement for the Hale End graduate were Saka ever sidelined, but as is the case with several Arteta players, Madueke is adaptable and can function well on the left flank too.
For the money that Arsenal are paying Chelsea, Madueke should not be solely used as a Saka deputy, and it is not impossible to envisage him becoming Arsenal's new first-choice left-winger.
The futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard are being called into question after two solid but unspectacular seasons, although Arsenal are keeping tabs on Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze at the same time.
Until the campaign commences, there will be more questions than answers over how Arteta intends to get the best out of one of the more controversial signings of his Arsenal tenure.
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