Twomey: The success of Chelsea’s recruitment model depends just as much on their ability to sell profitably as it does on buying intelligently. Every player who is not absolutely integral to the team Maresca is building has a price, and Madueke has never managed to make himself indispensable at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca says winger Noni Madueke asked to leave Stamford Bridge following an approach from rivals Arsenal.

Arsenal expected to sign Noni Madueke from Chelsea in a £52m deal; Madueke made 45 appearances for the Blues last season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists; Madueke joined Chelsea from PSV in January 2023 and has played 91 times;