Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has confirmed that Noni Madueke will play in the Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense despite being linked with a move to Premier League rivals Arsenal this summer. The winger has featured in all of the Blues' Club World Cup matches thus far, including the quarter-final win against Palmeiras, where he came on as a substitute in the second half.
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- Maresca's stance on Madueke revealed
- Madueke strongly linked with Arsenal
- Chelsea face Fluminense in CWC semi-finals
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WHAT HAPPENED?
reported last week that Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Madueke, who is ready to put pen to paper on a five-year deal and join the north London side this summer. The Gunners, who are in search of a wide forward in the transfer market, are now close to signing the 23-year-old, however, they are yet to approach the Blues with a formal offer.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
Amid uncertainty over his future at Stamford Bridge, questions were raised about whether Madueke would play for Chelsea again, but manager Maresca has now confirmed that he will use the attacker in the Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense if required.
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WHAT MARESCA SAID
Speaking to reporters, the Italian manager said: "Personally I think the same noise before the Palmeiras game, and we gave him half an hour and he was very good. I don't have any doubts that if we need Noni, he will help us. I can understand when there is noise around you, it is difficult to deal with that."
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WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?
Chelsea, who are aiming to win their second trophy of the 2024-25 campaign after their UEFA Conference League triumph, will face Brazilian outfit Fluminense in the last-four stage of the Club World Cup on Tuesday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.