Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has confirmed that winger Noni Madueke is on the brink of completing a £52 million move to Arsenal, stating that the decision to leave Stamford Bridge came solely from the player.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of Chelsea’s FIFA Club World Cup final clash with Paris Saint-Germain, Maresca revealed that Madueke has been permitted to return to London to finalize personal terms and undergo a medical with the Gunners.

“Noni is in contact with the new club. I guess he is going to be announced in the next hours,” Maresca said.

“I said in one of the last press conferences, if players want to leave, then it is difficult for the club and the manager. Noni decided to leave — nobody told him he had to. If he is happy, we are happy.”

The transfer, worth £52 million including performance-related add-ons, has raised eyebrows given Madueke’s role in the 2024/25 campaign.

The 23-year-old made 11 goal contributions and recently earned his first senior England call-up.

However, internal sources point to concerns around his discipline and inconsistent training performances.

Maresca, focused on Sunday’s final, is expected to have adequate cover for Madueke’s position, with recent signing Joao Pedro among the options.

The Brazilian impressed with a brace in the semi-final win over Fluminense.

Madueke now looks set to compete with Gabriel Martinelli for a starting berth at Arsenal, amid speculation that Leandro Trossard may be nearing a move to Turkish side Fenerbahce.