How questionable discipline and 'poor' training performances convinced Chelsea to sell Noni Madueke as £50m transfer to Arsenal nears completion

Madueke has reportedly finalised personal terms with Arsenal and is expected to sign a five-year contract. His move will make him the latest in a growing list of players to leave Stamford Bridge for the Emirates, following in the footsteps of Kai Havertz and Kepa Arrizabalaga in recent windows.

Behind the scenes, Chelsea’s decision to part ways with Madueke appears to stem from frustrations over the player’s discipline and underwhelming progress, as revealed by the Daily Mail. Moreover, the coaching staff has had concerns about his attitude in training.

It’s understood Madueke was excluded from the matchday squad on at least two occasions during the past season, one of which reportedly followed a disappointing showing during training. Most recently, he was left out of the starting XI for Chelsea’s Club World Cup semi-final win against Fluminense, a decision attributed to head coach Enzo Maresca’s belief that the player’s focus was not entirely aligned with the team’s objectives.

Chelsea were initially hopeful Madueke would become a breakout star following his arrival from the Eredivisie. Over the course of 92 appearances for the Blues, the winger has scored 20 goals and contributed nine assists. While those numbers are respectable, they have not matched the internal expectations Chelsea had for a player they once viewed as a long-term attacking asset. Even his goal in the UEFA Conference League final failed to shift the club’s opinion regarding his readiness to take the next step.

For Arsenal, the move represents both a gamble and an opportunity. Madueke’s ability to impact games from the flanks is not in question, but his maturity and consistency will be key to whether he flourishes under Arteta’s tutelage. The Gunners’ technical team reportedly see him as a high-upside addition who can learn within the club’s growing young core, even if he doesn’t immediately displace Bukayo Saka on the right.