Noni Madueke leaves Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad to join Arteta at Arsenal

Arsenal are closing in on a £52m deal to sign Noni Madueke after he was given the thumbs up to leave Chelsea’s Club World Cup camp in America, and not all Gunners fans are happy about the move

Chelsea star Noni Madueke has been given permission to leave the team’s Club World Cup camp as he looks to finalise a £52million move to London rivals Arsenal.

Madueke’s future at Stamford Bridge has looked uncertain in recent weeks after falling out of favour with manager Enzo Maresca, who has benched him in recent games during their campaign in the United States.

The 23-year-old has only started two of Chelsea’s six games at the Club World Cup and came off the bench twice in their last two games against Palmeiras and Fluminense.

Chelsea have now reached the final at MetLife Stadium this weekend as they prepare to face Champions League winners PSG for the chance to win another trophy on top of their UEFA Conference League crown.

But Madueke won’t be involved in the matchday squad after being excused to fly back to the UK and complete his move to Mikel Arteta’s Gunners.

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The England international will head back to his home country on Friday after Arsenal clinched a £52m deal and agreed personal terms with the player, who is set to sign a five-year deal.

Madueke will undergo a medical with the Gunners in due course and become the club’s second signing of the summer to come from Arsenal after Kepa Arrizabalaga also joined.

Arsenal have been busy and have also snapped up Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi for around £60m and Brentford star Christian Norgaard in a £12m deal.

But supporters haven’t been left pleased by the news that Madueke is joining, with thousands signing a petition in opposition to the deal.

Arsenal legend Sol Campbell admitted the club should explain their reasoning behind certain transfers amid backlash over the deal, though admitted he felt Madueke was a good player.

“I’ve seen him play, and he’s a very dynamic, keep-going kind of player that can cause problems when he gets into the final third,” he told Metro.

“I think most people are probably thinking, ‘Do we need him?’. He’s a quality player, but I think the club needs to explain why they’re getting certain players in and how it’s going to fit into our system. It’s important to explain that to the players and the fans.”

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