Maresca says Madueke wanted to leave Chelsea | OneFootball

Enzo Maresca says he would have been happy to keep Noni Madueke at Chelsea, but that the winger wanted to leave.

Madueke has left the Chelsea squad ahead of the Club World Cup final in New Jersey to travel back to London ahead of signing for Arsenal.

He is set to undergo a medical with the Gunners, who are expected to pay around £52m for the winger.

“Noni is in contact with the new club,” Maresca said.

“I guess he is going to be (announced) in the next hours.

“I said in the one of the last press conferences, if players want to leave then it is difficult for the club and the manager.

“Noni decided to leave, nobody told Noni he had to leave. If he is happy, we are happy.”

Chelsea take on PSG in the final of the Club World Cup on Sunday.

The Blues beat Fluminense 2-0 in the semi-final thanks to a double from Joao Pedro, while PSG thrashed Real Madrid 4-0.

And Maresca believes his side will come up against the best team in the world at present.

“I agree with most people who say they are the best team in Europe and the world,” he said.

“The reason why is they are showing this. We have maximum respect for them. I really enjoy watching them but we are here to do our best and win the final.”

Maresca is also hopeful of having midfielder Moises Caicedo involved on Sunday.

The Ecuadorian suffered an ankle injury against Fluminense but has been involved in training ahead of the final.

“For sure Moises is such an important player for us,” Maresca said.

“This morning, he couldn’t take part in the training session fully but we hope he can take part on Sunday.”