'Anything can happen' - Chelsea boss Maresca not ruling out departure of Newcastle target Madueke

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is not ruling out the possibility of Nigerian forward Noni Madueke leaving the club before the end of the summer transfer window.

The English-born forward didn't enjoy much game time last term until the tail end of the campaign due to the performance of Cole Palmer who played in his position.

Madueke is being courted by Newcastle United but with the club's inability to sell Miguel Almirón, it remains to be seen whether they will be able to get a deal done for the former PSV Eindhoven forward.

Despite being one of the standout players in pre-season, his game time isn't guaranteed due to the presence of Palmer and with the arrival of Pedro Neto and João Félix.

He was an unused substitute during the Blues' Premier League opener against Manchester City which is another indication of his place in the squad at the moment.

The 22-year-old made his first appearance of the season in the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off tie against Servette yesterday, coming on as a substitute for Neto.

He got himself on the scoresheet to seal Chelsea's victory and impressed his manager Enzo Maresca.

Asked about whether he would like to keep Madueke after his side's victory over Servette, Maresca expressed his desire to keep the talented forward but also stated that he may leave before the closure of the transfer window.

In quotes relayed by Football.London, the Italian tactician said: "Yeah, absolutely. The reality is until the transfer window is open, anything can happen. But for sure, Noni is the type of player I like."

Maresca added: "The important thing for Noni, I like him, he is doing well since he started with us, the only thing he has to improve is to become consistent.

"Every day, every day, every day, work hard - and then he will get minutes for sure."

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid

Photo Credit: chelseafc.com

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com