Noni Madueke Bids Tearful Goodbye to Chelsea in Heartfelt Departure Statement

Noni Madueke has officially announced his exit from Chelsea through a heartfelt social media message, expressing gratitude to Blues supporters for both their encouragement and constructive feedback.

Arsenal are set to secure Madueke as their fourth summer acquisition in a transfer valued at approximately £52 million ($69.6 million), marking another London club for the player who developed through the youth systems of Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace.

Madueke arrived at Chelsea in a transfer worth approximately £29 million ($38.8 million) during January 2023, netting his debut goal for the Blues at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in May 2023. Notably, considering his upcoming move, this moment featured prominently as the opening scene in his goodbye montage.

"Dear Chelsea Football Club," the England squad member posted on Instagram. "I want to thank you for the last three 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. 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."

There may be additional scrutiny awaiting Madueke from his prospective supporters. News of the right winger's expected transfer in recent days has received mixed reactions from certain segments of Arsenal's supporter base. There isn't an obvious position in Mikel Arteta's first-team lineup for the left-footed attacking player who typically operates on the wing that Bukayo Saka has claimed as his domain.

Maresca had tested deploying Madueke on his preferred left flank during the latter part of last season with varying results, though Gabriel Martinelli would likely be anticipated by many to maintain his regular starting position.