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.

Arsenal close to agreeing a deal with Chelsea for forward Noni Madueke; Madueke made 45 appearances for the Blues last season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists; Madueke joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and has played 91 times for them;