Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

PSV worried as Chelsea ‘in talks’ for attacker in move that ‘could take off’

Noni Madueke, Xavi Simons, PSV, October 2022

PSV Eindhoven boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has admitted Chelsea interest in forward Noni Madueke is ‘worrisome’ and ‘could take off’, as talks have begun.

Chelsea were credited with interest in the former Tottenham youth player of late. He is the latest in a long line of attackers that have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Fabrizio Romano since confirmed the Blues’ interest. Indeed, the transfer insider stated Madueke is “one of many players appreciated” by the London club.

There is no better stamp of legitimate interest than from Romano. As such, it had seemed only a matter of time before Chelsea begun to take steps to the transfer.

Whether or not he would be a good signing is another question. Indeed, Madueke left Tottenham after four years, having never played a senior game.

While that might have been a sign they didn’t think he would be good enough, that was over four years ago. Now 20 years old, Madueke has been performing well for PSV.

In 79 senior games so far for the club, the forward has bagged 20 goals and provided 14 assists.

A move to Chelsea may or may not materialise, but it seems their pursuit has now taken off.

Madueke talks ‘worrisome’ for PSV

Indeed, the Blues’ attacking situation isn’t in the best state at the moment. Christian Pulisic and Raheem Sterling could well be out of action for a while, and Joao Felix will mis a period of his loan after receiving a straight red card on his first appearance.

What’s more, nobody in the squad has been directly involved in 10 goals yet this season. The closest is Sterling, who has scored six goals and assisted three.

That could be why they are going after Madueke. Indeed, Sky Sports reports that the clubs are now ‘in talks’ over a transfer for the winger.

While that report states a fee is ‘yet to be agreed’, PSV are worried that the Blues will snare the attacker.

“I know there is interest,” manager Van Nistelrooy said, quoted by Evening Standard.

“This is due to its qualities and performance. It’s worrisome.”

PSV keen not to lose star

Indeed, losing Madueke would be a problem for PSV. They have already seen Cody Gakpo head to England this window, and losing another star from the attack would leave them light in that area of the field.

“We need to see if we can keep him. I very much hope for that. We must do everything we can to do that. You also know that things can take off, if the purse is pulled hard,” he added.

“Then you have to be ready with several options, because then you would lose the second player in the winter. But as a coach you would rather keep your best players.”

However, with Chelsea having put their interest into action, it could be just a matter of time before a transfer is done.

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