AC Milan Leading the Race to Sign Chelsea Forward in £33m Deal – Report | OneFootball

Chelsea Star Noni Madueke on AC Milan’s Radar: What Does This Mean for the Blues?

AC Milan’s pursuit of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has taken centre stage this week, with reports suggesting that the Rossoneri are preparing a significant move to secure the promising winger. According to Fichajes, Milan are ‘confident’ they can sign the talented English international in a deal worth around €40 million (£33.4m).

This move comes amidst ongoing attempts to strengthen their attacking options, with Milan manager Sergio Conceicao said to be particularly keen on Madueke’s speed, dribbling, and versatility. It’s clear that Milan view Madueke as a crucial piece to complement their dynamic style of play, one that has thrived under Conceicao’s leadership.

The Rossoneri have already demonstrated their ability to revitalise careers with previous Chelsea outcasts. Christian Pulisic, for instance, has flourished since making the switch to Milan, and Joao Felix has also made his mark during his loan spell. It seems Milan believe Madueke can follow in their footsteps and replicate their success in Serie A.

Chelsea’s Stance on Madueke’s Future

Interestingly, Chelsea appear to be under no pressure to sell Madueke, despite Milan’s belief that they can tempt the Blues into parting ways with their highly rated winger. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has openly praised Madueke, labelling him a “top player” in January, yet the fierce competition within the squad is making it difficult for him to cement his place in the starting lineup.

Photo IMAGO

With talented options like Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto also fighting for the right-wing spot, Maresca faces a selection headache that could see Madueke’s opportunities limited. As a result, the possibility of offloading him to Milan might seem more feasible than initially thought, especially given the financial incentive of €40 million.

A Potential Swap Deal: Madueke for Rafael Leao?

One of the more intriguing aspects of this potential transfer saga is the prospect of Rafael Leao moving in the opposite direction. Chelsea have held a long-term interest in the Portuguese forward, and with Mykhailo Mudryk’s future uncertain, the idea of a swap deal has gathered momentum.

According to TEAMtalk contributor Ben Jacobs, Chelsea’s admiration for Leao remains steadfast, but they are not alone in their pursuit. Barcelona have also been linked, making the potential exchange a complex affair. However, with Milan reportedly lowering their asking price for Leao by €75 million, the swap might make financial sense for both clubs.

Whether or not Chelsea would be willing to lose Madueke for Leao is another question entirely. Despite his undeniable potential, Madueke has struggled to consistently break into the first team, and a move to Milan could provide him with the playing time he craves. On the other hand, securing Leao would undoubtedly be seen as a coup and a significant upgrade on the left wing.

Why Milan Want Madueke Now

Milan’s desire to land Madueke can be traced back to their recent successes with former Chelsea players. Bringing in Pulisic rejuvenated their attacking threat, and Felix’s ability to fit into Milan’s dynamic system has not gone unnoticed. For a club that thrives on giving new life to players struggling at elite Premier League sides, Madueke represents a tantalising opportunity.

Photo: IMAGO

Moreover, the Premier League experience Madueke brings could prove invaluable in Serie A, offering a different dimension to Milan’s forward line. His versatility and willingness to take on defenders are qualities Conceicao highly values, and it’s easy to see why the Rossoneri are so keen to make a deal happen.

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For Chelsea fans, the prospect of losing Madueke might be met with mixed feelings. On the one hand, the youngster’s talent is undeniable, and his dribbling ability and pace offer something unique within the squad. Yet his sporadic appearances raise legitimate questions about whether he is truly indispensable.

Manager Enzo Maresca faces a delicate balancing act between holding onto promising talents and making strategic sales to finance new signings. Given the fierce competition on the flanks and the potential arrival of Rafael Leao, it’s plausible that selling Madueke might be seen as an opportunity rather than a setback.

Furthermore, with Leao’s versatility and proven track record, many Chelsea supporters would undoubtedly welcome his arrival, even at the cost of losing a promising talent like Madueke. Leao’s ability to operate on both wings or through the centre aligns well with Maresca’s tactical approach, which favours fluidity and dynamic movement.

While it’s not guaranteed that Madueke will depart, the prospect of securing €40 million for a player who has yet to make a major impact could be a tempting proposition. Balancing financial prudence with squad depth is no easy task, but Maresca has shown a willingness to make bold decisions when necessary.

Ultimately, the decision to cash in on Madueke might hinge on Milan’s willingness to include Leao in the deal and how convinced Chelsea are that the Portuguese star could seamlessly fit into their future plans.