Who should leave Chelsea after winning the Club World Cup?
Chelsea winger Noni Madueke is close to completing a £52 million (R$391 million) transfer to Arsenal, marking the first major squad change for the Blues following their FIFA Club World Cup triumph.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the 23-year-old England international is expected to join Arsenal in the coming days. Madueke, who was signed from PSV Eindhoven in 2023, failed to secure a consistent starting role under coach Enzo Maresca and now looks set for a new challenge across London.
The move is part of Chelsea’s broader plan to streamline their senior squad, which currently includes 45 players. Club executives, led by Todd Boehly, are working to reduce payroll costs and make space for new signings ahead of the next Premier League season.
Despite his potential, Madueke struggled with form and consistency, registering 20 goals and 9 assists in 92 appearances. The emergence of players like Cole Palmer has further limited his opportunities at Stamford Bridge.
At Arsenal, Madueke will provide much-needed depth in the attacking sector, especially as injuries impacted manager Mikel Arteta’s squad throughout last season. Arteta reportedly views Madueke as a key rotational option for the Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
While Madueke’s departure appears imminent, Chelsea have not yet confirmed any other outgoing transfers. However, with the transfer window open and several players attracting interest, further exits are expected, particularly in midfield and attack, where competition remains high.
Chelsea return to competitive action on August 8, facing Bayer Leverkusen in their first match of the new season. Until then, the club is expected to continue assessing the market, balancing squad depth with financial efficiency.
