Chelsea defender, Marc Cucurella, has expressed surprise over Noni Madueke’s decision to depart Stamford Bridge for Arsenal, questioning the timing of the move.
Madueke recently signed a five-year contract with the Gunners in a deal reportedly worth up to £52 million.
His transfer marks the end of a three-and-a-half-year stint with Chelsea, where he made 92 appearances, scored 20 goals, and played a key role in the club’s triumph in the UEFA Conference League last season.
He initially joined the Blues from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for £30 million.
The 22-year-old winger becomes one of Arsenal’s marquee summer signings, alongside Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad in a major summer overhaul.
Cucurella, however, questioned Madueke’s early exit from Chelsea amid the team’s push for silverware.
Speaking to the club’s website, the Spanish international said he felt the forward could have stayed a little longer before sealing the transfer.
“Yes, I think so.
I think he missed a good opportunity (although) he wasn’t playing as a starter.
“I do think it was because of everything that was happening regarding his future and in the end I think it could have delayed him a couple of days since he left a day early or something like that.
“It wouldn’t have cost him anything to wait for that next day. In the end I think he missed a pretty good opportunity.”
Cucurella’s comments reflect a sense of disappointment that Madueke did not wait until the end of the competition before finalizing his move to a Premier League rival.
