Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has officially confirmed that winger Noni Madueke is on the verge of completing a £52 million move to Arsenal, revealing that the player’s departure was entirely his own decision.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup final clash with Paris Saint-Germain, Maresca stated that the 23-year-old had been granted permission to return to London to finalize personal terms and undergo a medical with Arsenal.
“Noni is in contact with the new club. I guess he is going to be announced in the next hours,” Maresca said.
“I said in one of the last press conferences, if players want to leave, then it is difficult for the club and the manager. Noni decided to leave — nobody told him he had to. If he is happy, we are happy.”
The deal, reportedly valued at £52 million including performance-related add-ons, has drawn attention considering Madueke’s recent rise in prominence. He registered 11 goal contributions this season and recently earned his first senior England call-up.
However, internal sources indicate that concerns about Madueke’s discipline and inconsistent training habits may have influenced the club’s willingness to sanction the move.
Despite Madueke’s impending exit, Maresca remains unfazed ahead of Sunday’s final, with Joao Pedro—who scored a brace in the semi-final win over Fluminense—expected to provide adequate cover in attack.
Madueke will now face stiff competition for a starting spot at Arsenal, vying with Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing. His arrival also fuels speculation about a possible exit for Leandro Trossard, who is reportedly close to sealing a move to Fenerbahce.
As Arsenal look to bolster their squad depth ahead of a title challenge, Madueke’s transfer could signal a fresh chapter in his career—and a test of his readiness to perform at the highest level consistently.
