Reports: Chelsea open door to £30m attacker departure despite improving goal return | OneFootball

The rumours about a Noni Madueke departure from Chelsea that have grown through the course of this international break have never really convinced us, but we’re starting to see so much about it that one has to take it seriously.

The latest report is from GiveMeSport, who claim that Aston Villa are very serious in their intentions to sign the winger, and have joined Newcastle and Tottenham in the queue.

Madueke came to Chelsea in the crazy January of 2023, when we bought him from PSV for around £30m. He’s since been a regular option for a number of coaches, rotating with the other options on the wing.

He’s had some good games, especially this season, but has not exactly exploded or made himself indispensable. He brings a valuable goal threat, and that’s been especially missed in recent months while he’s been injured, but there aren’t many fans who would call him untouchable.

He was also dropped twice by Enzo Maresca this season for reportedly having an imperfect attitude in training.

Madueke could be drifting towards departure despite promising moments in Blue

Noni Madueke in action for Chelsea. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

This report claims that Chelsea are now “beginning to give indications” that they will listen to offers for the winger.

How Madueke would feel about a move to the Midlands is a different question. Competition is only going to grow at Chelsea for minutes in attacking positions once Estevao Willian arrives. There’s also the strong rumour that we’re looking to add another attacking option out wide.

Does Madueke back himself to finally establish himself as a key player, or do Villa present a clearer pathway?

There’s also the Joao Felix question – Villa have been linked to him too, and we surely can’t get away with flogging them two of our attacking options at once.