Chelsea boss, Enzo Maresca, has confirmed he won’t block Noni Madueke’s potential switch to Arsenal, admitting the winger has chosen to move on.
Madueke is reportedly close to sealing a £48.5 million move across London, with both clubs reaching an agreement and Chelsea granting the 23-year-old permission to undergo a medical with the Gunners.
As a result, Madueke will be absent from Chelsea’s clash with Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey on Sunday, as the Blues continue their preparations for the FIFA Club World Cup.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Maresca clarified that the decision to leave came entirely from the player.
“Noni is in contact with the new club,” he stated during a press conference. “I guess he is going to be (announced) in the next hours.”
“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 Noni he had to leave. If he is happy, we are happy.”
The Italian coach has consistently spoken highly of Madueke, who made his senior England debut last season, leaving many fans puzzled by Chelsea’s willingness to part ways with the talented forward.
