Noni Madueke says goodbye to Chelsea as he releases statement addressing criticism

Noni Madueke has posted an emotional statement confirming his departure from Chelsea as the England international closes in on a much-talked-about move to Arsenal.

The 23-year-old winger is on the verge of becoming Arsenal's fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard.

Madueke, who notched 11 goals and five assists for Chelsea across the 2024/25 campaign, has agreed personal terms with the Gunners ahead of switch worth just over £50 million.

Arsenal and Chelsea have reached an agreement in principle over a fee, according to widespread reports, as the finer details are finalised before Madueke can join up with his new teammates for pre-season.

The impending transfer has divided opinion amongst Arsenal fans. In fact, the hashtag #NoToMadueke was trending on social media last week, while a petition was launched on Thursday against his signing.

Noni Madueke releases statement to confirm Chelsea exit

On Friday afternoon, Madueke thanked Chelsea supporters for the "love, praise and criticism" as he voiced his appreciation for manager Enzo Maresca.

Taking to Instagram, he wrote: "Dear Chelsea Football Club, I want to thank you for the Last 3 or so years.

"To every staff member that helped me along this journey, thank you. To my teammates thank you for everything, I leave with only love and admiration for you guys. We achieved so much this season and I honestly wish you guys nothing but the best.

"To Enzo Maresca, it was a privilege to play under you, thank you for trying to better me as a player and as a person."

Madueke added: "Lastly thank you to every single Chelsea fan. Thank you for the love, the praise and also the criticism, I appreciate it all. I leave here with nothing but fond memories. Love NM11."

Madueke played his last game for Chelsea at the Club World Cup. Image credit: Getty

Many have voiced their surprise towards Arsenal's move for Madueke, including former Gunners midfielder Paul Merson, who is "flabbergasted" by the transfer.

"I'm shocked. If Arsenal went and bought any player from Chelsea, he'd have been the last one I thought they'd sign," Merson told Sky Sports.

"I just don't see it. It's a lot of money for a player who is not a prolific goalscorer. He's the sort of player that has a good game here and a good game there, but that'll be it. The consistency of performance isn't there.

"I hope he proves me wrong, but he'll have the good games, just like he did for England last month. But then you won't see him for a few weeks."

Merson added: "For me, at Chelsea, I'd have always played Jadon Sancho ahead of him. It's not to be disrespectful to the player but I am flabbergasted by the money Arsenal are paying for him. Chelsea just won't believe that this deal has come to them. They won't believe their luck."