Chelsea supporters agree on one thing after Noni Madueke’s name came up in transfer speculation this week.
Noni Madueke, 23, has emerged as an important player in the Chelsea squad this season.
Even though the English attacker can be a bit hit and miss in front of goal, he’s definitely improving under Blues manager Enzo Maresca. In fact, Madueke ranks as Chelsea’s best winger within the current squad.
Appearances Goals Assists
28 8 4
Noni Madueke for Chelsea in the 2024/25 season across all competitions
In fresh transfer rumours on Wednesday, TalkSPORT reported that Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Newcastle United are both keeping an eye on Madueke because he’s one of the players Chelsea may consider cashing in on.
It’s been claimed elsewhere that Madueke is happy staying at Chelsea amid potential transfer interest.
Photo by Harriet Lander - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Harriet Lander – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Chelsea fans don’t want Noni Madueke to leave, suggest it could harm Estevao Willian
The reaction from the Chelsea fanbase on social media is that they definitely don’t want to consider selling Madueke at the end of the season.
Interestingly, many Blues fans on X suggested that Madueke’s exit would crank up too much pressure on 17-year-old rising star Estevao Willian, whose move from Palmeiras to Stamford Bridge will be completed this summer.
One fan wrote: “Estevao shouldn’t be a starter immediately. Madueke should be the main guy.”
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“He’s 23 and keeps improving every season, effective dribbler and one way of progressing ball into the box for us. He’s good enough. If they think Estevao comes in and start scoring or having an impact then they’re delusional,” another posted.
One supporter claimed: “Putting all their eggs in Estevao hitting – if he doesn’t, they’re screwed. Selling Madueke while he has two seasons under his belt is a mistake. He’s still developing and will likely come good, but they’re cashing out too soon.”
“Unpopular opinion. I would rather keep Noni Madueke to compete with Estevao on the right and sell Pedro Neto,” another said.
Chelsea’s stance on Madueke is baffling because they’re open to possibly selling one of their most impressive wingers.
The 23-year-old forward should still have his best years ahead of him, so many feel it would be foolish to get rid of him after helping his development since he joined from PSV Eindhoven over two years ago.
Photo by Adriana Spaca/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Photo by Adriana Spaca/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images
Chelsea must be careful with Estevao Willian
Like the Chelsea supporters suggest, Estevao can’t have too much pressure put on his shoulders too soon.
He’ll be aged 18 when he arrives in West London this summer, where he’ll have to adapt to a new home, new language and new club. It may be a stretch too far to ask the Brazil international to come and be the answer in the Blues starting XI from day one.
Estevao’s valuation has shot up because of his incredible form with Palmeiras, scoring 20 goals and creating 10 assists in 59 appearances since a first-team breakthrough.
However, Chelsea may be smart to slowly integrate the right-winger to the side. He could be ideal competition and cover for the likes of Madueke and Pedro Neto on the wings.