Chelsea star Marc Cucurella questions Noni Madueke’s £52m Arsenal transfer timing as Declan Rice defends the winger’s talent and potential impact.

Chelsea star Marc Cucurella criticized Noni Madueke’s £52m transfer to Arsenal, calling its timing strange as Madueke left before Chelsea’s Club World Cup final. The winger missed a major win, while Arsenal fans celebrated his signing. Declan Rice defended Madueke, saying he’ll surprise critics with his performance.

Chelsea star Marc Cucurella has questioned the timing of former teammate Noni Madueke’s £52million move to Arsenal, describing it as strange.

The Spaniard, who has grown to become an important figure in the Chelsea side, was disturbed that the England international decided to leave the Blues when they were on the verge of winning the Club World Cup. Enzo Maresca’s side eventually went ahead to beat Chelsea in the final to win the tournament in New Jersey.

The 23-year-old missed out on collecting a winner’s medal after choosing to leave camp to complete his move to Arsenal instead of postponing the transfer.

After a slow start in the transfer window, the Gunners have kicked into top gear with the likes of Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke arriving at the Emirates. Meanwhile, Valencia and Spain Under-21 defender Cristhian Mosquera has completed his move to North London.

The fans have been showing interest in the Arsenal tickets based on the summer transfer business done so far.

Cucurella not pleased with Madueke decision

While speaking to Gerard Moreno during a Q&A session with young players at his academy in Spain, Cucurella was asked whether he found that decision to be unusual.

He replied: “Yes, I think so. I think he missed a good opportunity (although) he wasn’t playing as a starter. I do think it was because of everything that was happening regarding his future and in the end I think it could have delayed him a couple of days since he left a day early or something like that.

“It wouldn’t have cost him anything to wait for that next day. In the end I think he missed a pretty good opportunity.”

Noni Madueke played a key role in Chelsea’s impressive run in the competition, appearing in five of their six matches. However, he was absent from the final after opting to leave early. In his place, Pedro Neto and Cole Palmer started on the wings during the Blues’ commanding 3-0 victory.

2024 European Championship winner Marc Cucurella also revealed that he was “scared to death” when US President Donald Trump unexpectedly showed up during Chelsea’s trophy celebrations.

He explained to Spanish journalist Romero: ‘We had been told that, as a rule, Donald Trump would come to present us with the trophy and that we couldn’t lift it until he left.

‘And of course, we were all there waiting for him to leave, but the guy didn’t want to leave, and on top of that, we looked at him and he said, “Get him up, I’ll stay here, and so on. And I wondered who would say anything to him, you know… I was scared s***less!’

Many expected the Commander-in-Chief to leave the stage after presenting the trophy to Chelsea captain James, as tradition dictates. But in a surprising turn, Trump stayed on stage throughout the team’s trophy celebrations, leaving several Chelsea players visibly puzzled.

‘Humbled and blessed to be here’

Madueke has since been announced as an Arsenal player on a five-year deal.

“Humbled and blessed to be here,” Madueke said. “Thank you to everyone that made this possible. I can’t wait to get on the pitch and start to repay the faith shown in me. It’s going to be so special.’

“I try and be a dual threat from the left and from the right. Of course, it’s a little different when I play on the left or when I play on the right, but it doesn’t really matter to me where I play. I only really have one thought in my mind when I get the ball to feet or in space, it is just to line up the fullback and go past him, so that’s definitely one of my main strengths,” Madueke said in his first Arsenal interview.

Arsenal signed the winger as back up to Bukayo Saka, but he could go ahead to become an option on the left flank for Mikel Arteta’s side with his ability to go past defenders.

Rice unhappy with criticism over Madueke signing

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has admitted he was unhappy with the online criticism from some fans over Noni Madueke’s signing from Chelsea, but he believes the winger can surprise everyone with his quality.

However, the signing sparked a wave of criticism online, with #NoToMadueke trending on social media and a petition opposing the move gathered over 5,000 signatures.

“I know how driven he is,” Rice said after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over AC Milan in their first pre-season game in Singapore.

“I’ve spoken to him and you’re going to see what he’s about this season. He wants to prove and show everyone what he really can do. He’s hungry, he wants to play for Arsenal and that’s the type of players we want. It’s so positive. He’s going to shock a lot of people and I can’t wait for him to come.

As seen in the transfer announcement video of Madueke posted on all the club’s platforms, Rice wrote a letter to the 23-year-old, lending his support to him. Here is your rewritten version:

Rice revealed that the initiative came from the club, calling it “a lovely gesture to help him settle in and feel part of the team.” He added that Madueke had sent him a message about it, expressing how much he truly appreciated the effort.

“When you’re an attacking player and in your mind the first thought you have is to go past your defender, that’s an unbelievable trait to have,” Rice said about Madueke’s ability.

“He’s going to bring that to the squad along with the other wingers we have. Let’s be real – last year we hardly had any depth in any areas.

“We played half the season pretty much with so many injuries, so to now be able to rotate and push in different competitions with different players is going to be really, really good. That’s key for us.”

“People have been speaking internally – the players, the staff. We know the player that we’re getting and we’re really looking forward to having him at our club. It’s going to be really exciting,” Rice concluded.

FAQs: Chelsea Star Marc Cucurella

1. Why did Noni Madueke leave Chelsea before the final?

Madueke left Chelsea’s camp early to complete his £52m transfer to Arsenal. Marc Cucurella found this timing unusual, believing he missed a big opportunity. The winger’s decision meant he didn’t collect a Club World Cup medal with Chelsea.

2. What did Marc Cucurella say about Madueke’s move?

Cucurella said the timing of Noni Madueke’s transfer was strange. He felt Madueke should’ve waited a day to play in the Club World Cup final. According to him, it was a missed chance to be part of Chelsea’s major win.

3. How did Declan Rice defend Noni Madueke’s signing?

Declan Rice said Madueke is a driven and hungry player ready to prove critics wrong. He believes the winger will add depth and energy to Arsenal’s attack. Rice assured fans that Madueke’s arrival will strengthen the team’s competition and creativity.

4. What was the reaction of Arsenal fans to Madueke’s signing?

Some Arsenal fans initially criticized the £52m signing, with hashtags trending online. However, many grew excited after seeing his interviews and potential. Declan Rice’s public support also helped calm doubts and create positive buzz.

5. What role will Noni Madueke play at Arsenal?

Madueke will serve as backup to Bukayo Saka but can also play on the left. His speed, dribbling, and creativity make him a flexible attacking option. Mikel Arteta may use him to bring unpredictability and width to Arsenal’s offense.