Chelsea are set to face Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the FIFA Club World Cup in what promises to be a match full of big moments and elite talent on both sides. However, the Premier League club will be without one of Cole Palmer’s key attacking partners after a sudden departure just 24 hours before kickoff.
Head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed during his pre-match press conference that winger Noni Madueke is on the verge of completing a transfer and will not be available for the final.
“Noni is in contact with his new club and I think he will leave in the next few hours,” Maresca said when asked about Madueke’s status, effectively confirming his exit from the squad.
While the Italian manager didn’t name the destination, multiple English outlets report that Madueke is set to join Arsenal following a direct request from manager Mikel Arteta. The deal is reportedly worth around £52 million ($60 million), marking a major reinforcement for the Gunners.
What Maresca said about Madueke’s departure
When asked to elaborate on his reaction to losing the 23-year-old winger, Maresca downplayed the move, pointing to the realities of transfer activity during the summer window.
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“At the end of the day, if players want to leave, it’s difficult for the club and the coach to keep them,” Maresca said. “Noni decided to go, and that’s his choice. If he’s happy, then we are happy for him.” As a result, Madueke left Chelsea’s training camp a day before the showdown with PSG at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Madueke has featured in five matches during this Club World Cup campaign, missing only the round of 16 fixture against Benfica. However, the English winger failed to record a goal or assist in the tournament.
Madueke’s numbers with Chelsea
Despite flashes of brilliance, Madueke has yet to fully meet expectations since arriving at Chelsea. His departure comes after two and a half seasons with the club, in which he tallied 20 goals and seven assists across all competitions following his transfer from PSV Eindhoven. The move comes at a critical moment for Chelsea, who are aiming to lift a global trophy while managing late-summer roster shakeups.
