Chelsea might be busy in the transfer market but latest developments might be a step too far, according to one of their former players..
Former Blue and talkSPORT pundit Scott Minto believes that news of a potential Noni Madueke departure are a concern for the club.
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As reported earlier, Chelsea has no objections to letting the English winger depart should an acceptable proposal come their way, considering they’re preparing for a busy summer.
Prompting movement on the wings is a deal for Jamie Gittens after a £55million move was agreed in principle with Borussia Dortmund.
Additionally, Madueke remained on the sidelines during Chelsea’s 4-1 Club World Cup triumph against Benfica, even though the match went into extra-time due to a long delay caused by a storm.
Minto understands that a new arrival is needed with Jadon Sancho departing and Mykhailo Mudryk suspended, but not at the expense of Madueke.
“I’ve seen that [news] and I don’t get it,” he said.
“Not only do I think he’s a very good footballer coming in, being that inverted winger on the right, but I’ve also seen him play on the left.
“I covered the game for talkSPORT at Stamford Bridge against Manchester United where [Noussair] Mazraoui was the right back.
“He gave him a torrid time playing as an old-fashioned left winger on the left-hand side. So he’s very, very versatile.
“I’m aware that Jamie Gittens appears to be proceeding now, and that makes sense given that Jadon Sancho has returned to United and Mudryk’s next play dates are uncertain…
“But to get rid of Madueke when he looks like he could be one of Chelsea’s best players. I find that very strange indeed.”
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The 23-year-old is in his second full season at the Bridge after a £29m arrival from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023.
He reached a number of career highs during the 2024/25 campaign, including games played (39) and goals (10), while he added a further four assists.
It isn’t just Minto who’s a fan either, but England’s management, with Madueke being used regularly by interim Lee Carsley and new manager Thomas Tuchel.
Yet despite that, he could be part of a nine-man exodus this summer.
talkSPORT understands that Nicolas Jackson will also be allowed to leave for the right price after a frustrating season up front.
Fellow forwards Christopher Nkunku and Joao Felix aren’t wanted by the Blues, with Brighton’s Joao Pedro and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike targets to replace them.
