Chelsea boss makes transfer statement amid Arsenal interest in Noni Madueke

Chelsea defeated Palmeiras in the Club World Cup final before Enzo Maresca was asked about Noni Madueke’s future at the club amid speculation over interest from Arsenal

Enzo Maresca has declared any player who is unhappy at Chelsea is free to go, amid speculation Arsenal could make a move for Noni Madueke. The Gunners are reported to be considering a bid for the winger, though the Blues’ £50million valuation could prove a stumbling block.

Madueke came off the bench in Chelsea’s Club World Cup quarter-final win over Palmeiras, as they progressed to set up a fixture with Fluminense in the next round. The Italian suggested that England international Madueke was an important part of his squad over the last 12 months.

The 23-year-old, who came through the ranks at Tottenham before joining PSV in his teenage years, scored 11 goals and made five assists to help the Blues to Champions League qualification and the Conference League title.

“Noni has been very important for us during this season,” said Maresca after Chelsea’s win. “Today, again, he has been important.

“But my message to the players and to the club is that I want just players that are happy to be with us. The ones that are not happy, they are free to go.

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“It’s not for Noni, it’s for all the players we have. But again, Noni has been very good during the season and very good tonight.”

Despite an impactful season from Madueke, he is already under increased comptetition ahead of the next campaign. The Blues have added Joao Pedro, who made his debut against Palmeiras, to their squad and faced off against Estevao on Friday evening ahead of his arrival after the Club World Cup.

Chelsea have also made a deal for Jamie Gittens who arrives from Borussia Dortmund. The ex-Manchester academy product was in attendance in Philadelphia for Chelsea’s win.

“Jamie was here tonight, he was on the pitch,” said Maresca. “And he will be with us probably one more day, two days more. And then he will go for a holiday and come back when we’re going to start the new season.

“Estevao, I spoke with him for the first time after the game. I told him that it’s been the perfect night because we won, he scored. So it’s been perfect for us and for him.”

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