Pat Nevin has raised a question mark around Chelsea’s decision this summer to sell Noni Madueke and sign Alejandro Garnacho as part of a revamp in the wide areas.
There were plenty of incomings and outgoings at Stamford Bridge during the recent transfer window, particularly in the attacking third of the pitch. This included the Blues signing Alejandro Garnacho for £40m (BBC) from Manchester United, while they sold Noni Madueke for £48.5m (BBC) to Arsenal.
Garnacho, 21, has arrived at Chelsea to provide competition on the left wing. John Obi Mikel backs Garnacho to succeed if he can improve his consistency and end product.
Meanwhile, Madueke has made a positive start in Arsenal colours, even though the 23-year-old right-winger is still waiting for his first goal or assist of the new season.
Noni Madueke in action during Arsenal v Villarreal - Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
Pat Nevin uncertain about replacing Noni Madueke with Alejandro Garnacho
Pat Nevin has admitted that he needs some more convincing about Chelsea’s decision to sign Garnacho but sell Madueke in the same window.
Writing in his BBC Football Extra newsletter (15 September), Nevin said: “Considering Alejandro Garnacho has arrived after Noni Madueke left for a mere £10million more to light up their London rivals, Arsenal, Chelsea fans expect Garnacho to provide just as much as Madueke this season.
“I will be keeping a close eye on that comparison. Chelsea are rightly proud of their trading programme, this is one I am yet to be convinced by.”
Scottish retired footballer and author Pat Nevin attends a photocall during the Edinburgh International Book Festival
Photo by Roberto Ricciuti/Getty Images
Nobody in the Chelsea fanbase should have doubted Madueke’s ability, but his main problem was a lack of consistency. He scored 20 goals and created nine assists in 92 Blues appearances across all competitions.
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We still doubt he starts at Arsenal when everybody is fit, so there is little point worrying about his sale.
As for Garnacho, let’s wait and see what he can bring to West London once he’s fit and firing.
Florent Malouda’s prediction on Garnacho is that the young attacker could follow a similar trajectory to Cole Palmer. If that happens, Enzo Maresca’s side could have a steal at £40m.
Alejandro Garnacho after his Chelsea debut against Brentford in the Premier League.
Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
Alejandro Garnacho vs Noni Madueke
At the moment, Madueke may be slightly ahead of Garnacho as a footballer, both in terms of experience and ability. It is worth remembering that the Chelsea summer signing is younger, though.
Player Age Clubs Club appearances Club goals Club assists
Alejandro Garnacho 21 Manchester United, Chelsea 145 26 22
Noni Madueke 23 PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea, Arsenal 176 40 22
Alejandro Garnacho vs Noni Madueke in their senior club careers so far
It will be interesting to see how they compare after their debut seasons at their respective new teams.
Troy Deeney’s prediction on Garnacho is that he won’t start every week for Chelsea this campaign. However, we can definitely see him edging out Jamie Gittens for the starting spot on the left wing as the year progresses.