Chelsea slap £28.5 million price tag on star forward who impressed in pre-season amid interest from Newcastle United - Reports
The Athletic reported Chelsea would consider offers for Noni Madueke in excess of £28.5 million. The winger impressed during the pre-season, finding the back of the net against teams like Club America, Manchester City, and Real Madrid.
The Blues, though, have a plethora of winger options. Apart from Raheem Sterling and Mykhaylo Mudryk, the club added Pedro Neto as well. Hence, Madueke's future is up in the air.
Madueke joined the club from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and has so far made 46 appearances, scoring nine goals and providing three assists for the Blues.
The 22-year-old made 34 appearances in 2023-24, scoring eight goals and providing three assists. Neto's arrival, though, could significantly impact his game time.
Neto, meanwhile, has been injury-prone; a factor Chelsea might consider before selling Madueke. However, Neto was impressive in pre-season and could be key to Enzo Maresca's stint at Stamford Bridge.
Newcastle United have been reported as an interested team in Madueke. Moving to St. James' Park could see Madueke become one of the main protagonists of the team. Hence, his transfer situation is worth keeping an eye on.
Graeme Bailey provides update on Noni Madueke's Chelsea future
Journalist Graeme Bailey reckoned Noni Madueke could leave Chelsea this summer and complete a move to Newcastle United. Speaking to the Chelsea Chronicle, he said:
"I think Madueke will go. I would put Newcastle as firm favorites for him, they like him. I think he'll go."
Enzo Maresca, after taking charge of the Blues, revealed that he had doubts about Madueke. However, after seeing him up front, Maresca claimed he could be a good fit for the team. He told The Athletic:
"I expected exactly what the players are showing me ... There was some doubt about Noni, but in the way I like the winger, he could be a good profile for us."
Madueke has since wiped doubts about him with impressive pre-season showings. The England under-21 international, however, might not be a first-choice starter, a profile Newcastle could offer him.
He is contracted to the Blues until the end of the 2029-30 season but could bolster Newcastle's winger options with the Magpies already having Anthony Gordon in their ranks.