Enzo Maresca has said he would have been happy to keep Noni Madueke at Chelsea, but that it was the winger’s decision to leave.
Madueke has left the Chelsea squad ahead of the Club World Cup final 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 (via Yahoo Sports).
“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.”
Madueke is set to join a long list of players who left Chelsea for Arsenal.
Other players who followed this path are Petr Cech, William, David Luis, Jorginho, William Gallas and Kai Havertz.
Also Read: Arteta Must Give Reasons For Buying Madueke –Sol Campbell
Meanwhile, Chelsea will face European champions PSG in the final of the Club World Cup on Sunday.
The Blues beat Brazilian heavyweights Fluminense 2-0 in the semi-final thanks to a double from new signing 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.”
