According to Prominent Italian Journalist Fabrizio Romano, Sporting director has reportedly already traveled to London in an effort to secure the signing of a £50 million-rated Chelsea player that has been under utilized by Enzo Maresca
A current title-winning club from one of Europe’s most prestigious football leagues is reportedly setting its sights on a prominent Chelsea player as a potential marquee acquisition in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Throughout the 2024/2025 football season, Chelsea’s newly appointed head coach, Enzo Maresca, placed considerable emphasis on his attacking unit, regularly relying on creative and dynamic players such as Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, and Noni Madueke to penetrate and dismantle opposition defenses. Among these talents, Noni Madueke stood out with particularly eye-catching performances that did not go unnoticed. His consistent displays drew widespread acclaim, including praise from former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy, who went so far as to compare Madueke’s playing style and effectiveness to that of Arsenal’s standout forward, Bukayo Saka — a comparison that highlights just how influential Madueke has been on the field.
Recently, it has become evident that Madueke’s impressive form has attracted interest from beyond England. Notably, Napoli — one of Italy’s top clubs and a reigning champion in Serie A — has shown a concrete desire to bring the England international to Naples.
Napoli’s Sporting Director Takes Action
While English Premier League side Newcastle United has also been linked with a potential move for Madueke, it appears they may now face serious competition from Napoli. Reports from Napoli Network indicate that the club’s sporting director, Giovanni Manna, has already made a strategic trip to London. The purpose of this visit was to initiate discussions and explore the feasibility of a transfer deal.
During his time in the English capital, Manna reportedly engaged in talks with intermediary agents to better understand the financial conditions and logistics required to secure the winger’s signature. It is believed that Chelsea have set a valuation of £50 million for Madueke — a substantial increase from the roughly £29 million the club paid Dutch side PSV Eindhoven for the player back in January 2023.
Chelsea Reportedly Willing to Sell
Despite the fact that Madueke scored 11 goals across 41 matches in all competitions during the 2024/25 campaign, Chelsea is reportedly considering the possibility of selling the 23-year-old winger. The club’s internal assessment suggests that the player’s development may have reached a plateau, and they view this summer as a suitable time to offload him in order to make space for fresh attacking options.
This willingness to part ways with Madueke comes amid broader squad-planning concerns. With Jadon Sancho returning to Manchester United after his loan spell and Mykhailo Mudryk currently unavailable due to a suspension, Chelsea’s depth in wide attacking positions has been significantly reduced. Nonetheless, the club is expected to be active in the transfer market, targeting reinforcements to bolster their offensive capabilities.
One such reinforcement is highly-rated Brazilian youngster Estevão Willian, who is set to join the first-team ranks soon. His anticipated arrival, along with other potential signings, could trigger a broader reshuffle in Chelsea’s front line — paving the way for Madueke’s departure from Stamford Bridge.
Should Napoli decide to meet Chelsea’s asking price, negotiations could accelerate quickly. With several weeks remaining before the summer transfer window closes, Madueke’s future is likely to remain a subject of intense speculation and interest from multiple top clubs.
