Chelsea’s Maresca Unfazed by Noni Madueke Transfer Talk Ahead of Club World Cup Clash with Fluminense

Amid Arsenal interest, Chelsea boss insists Noni Madueke is ready to deliver at the Club World Cup

In a summer where transfer speculation hangs thick in the air, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is keeping his focus firmly on the pitch—and on one player in particular: Noni Madueke. The 23-year-old winger, the subject of growing interest from Premier League rivals Arsenal, is expected to play a key role for the Blues in their Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense. And despite the mounting noise around a potential move, Maresca isn’t flinching.

“I don’t have any doubts,” Maresca told reporters with a calm conviction ahead of the crucial fixture at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. “If we need Noni, he will help us.”

Arsenal circle, but Chelsea stay focused

Last week, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with Madueke. The Gunners are understood to be pushing to secure the England U21 international on a five-year deal as they search for a new wide forward. However, as of now, Chelsea are yet to receive a formal offer from the north London club.

That hasn’t stopped the chatter. For Madueke, who joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for a reported £30 million, the potential switch comes at a pivotal point in his career. With regular minutes hard to come by under former boss Mauricio Pochettino last season, the winger is believed to be open to a move that offers more stability and opportunity.

But while the Arsenal links intensify, Maresca made it clear that internal focus hasn’t wavered—neither his nor Madueke’s.

“There was the same noise before the Palmeiras game,” Maresca said, referencing the Blues’ earlier Club World Cup tie. “And we gave him half an hour and he was very good. It’s difficult to deal with transfer talk, but Noni is handling it well.”

The Club World Cup: A big stage with bigger stakes

maresca chelsea 2025 26 conferenza stupito

For Chelsea, the Club World Cup represents not just a shot at silverware, but a statement of ambition under Maresca’s emerging leadership. Having already lifted the UEFA Conference League to kickstart the 2024-25 campaign, the Blues now aim to add a second piece of international hardware.

And in the semi-final against Brazilian side Fluminense, they’ll be up against a team that embodies experience, flair, and grit. It’s the kind of setting where Chelsea’s young guns, Madueke included, will have to rise to the occasion.

Madueke’s role in this context can’t be overstated. Known for his explosive acceleration and sharp dribbling, he offers Chelsea a direct threat from wide areas—an asset especially useful in the kind of transitional battles that often decide knockout games. Whether starting or coming off the bench, his ability to unsettle defenders could be key to unlocking Fluminense’s well-drilled back line.

Maresca building trust in a changing squad

Maresca’s backing of Madueke is part of a broader pattern: building confidence within a youthful, evolving squad. The Italian manager has made no secret of his desire to develop players within his system rather than rush to the market at every opportunity.

Since taking charge earlier this summer, Maresca has shown a clear tactical identity, blending positional structure with attacking freedom. And he’s entrusted players like Madueke, Cole Palmer, and Carney Chukwuemeka to grow within that framework.

“If you’re in our squad, it’s because we believe in you,” Maresca said in an earlier press conference. “Noni is part of our plan. Until something changes, I expect full commitment—and he’s shown that.”

What’s next in the Madueke transfer saga?

Arsenal, for their part, are expected to formalise their interest in the coming days. Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his attacking depth, and Madueke’s profile—technical, creative, and still developing—fits neatly into the Gunners’ project. If they do table a formal bid, Chelsea will have a decision to make.

Yet for now, Madueke remains a Blue. And with Chelsea chasing another trophy on the global stage, the focus—at least temporarily—returns to football.

Whether he plays 30 minutes or the full 90, Tuesday night could be another moment for Madueke to remind everyone, including those in north London, of just how much quality he brings to the table.

Chelsea’s immediate path: Fluminense and beyond

Victory over Fluminense would take Chelsea into the Club World Cup final, where they would face either Manchester City or Mexican giants Club América. Winning the tournament would see the Blues lift their first FIFA Club World Cup since 2022, further cementing their place among Europe’s elite after a turbulent few years.

For Maresca, the tournament is more than just silverware—it’s a testing ground. A chance to see who thrives under pressure, who responds to adversity, and who might become leaders in a squad still forming its identity.

And for Noni Madueke, it’s potentially a stage to show he belongs—whether his future lies in blue or red.