There is set to be a great deal of movement at Chelsea this summer as the Blues try to shape their squad ready for Mauricio Pochettino's arrival at the beginning of July. Already N'Golo Kante's departure has been confirmed with the likes of Kalidou Koulibaly and Hakim Ziyech also seemingly set for the Saudi Pro League, while efforts are being made to sign Nicolas Jackson and Moises Caicedo.
It's safe to say that Chelsea are looking to undergo a transition, and that process has already been ongoing over the last 12 months. January saw the arrivals of a raft of young stars in David Datro Fofana, Noni Madueke, Mykhailo Mudryk, Enzo Fernandez and Andrey Santos. Likewise the summer saw the arrivals of statement signings such as Wesley Fofana and Raheem Sterling.
Those who arrived at the beginning of 2023 have now had time to settle, albeit in a tumultuous period at Chelsea having been led by three different managerial figures. One of those is Madueke, currently on international duties with England under-21s at the European Championships, and he has plans to feature even more regularly next term to challenge for a place in the senior team for Euro 2024.
The 21-year-old told the Evening Standard: “And if I play week in, week out next season, I will be in contention for a senior team call-up. I’ve spoken to Gareth [Southgate] and the door is open.
“Being a Chelsea legend, playing for England and scoring goals comes with it, but I just want to be seen as a player that inspired. I want people to look back on my career and think, ‘Wow, Noni was unbelievable’. I want them to be in awe.”
Madueke is unfazed by the changes taking place at Chelsea and is committed to building upon his early impact in a Chelsea shirt. His ambition is simple.
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He added: "I guess when the club wants to do something a bit special, there’s bound to be changes. We’re trying to create a squad that can compete for the next 10 years. I definitely performed well, showed my ability, but next season you’ll see the real me.
“Next season, I want to contribute massively to Chelsea winning. That’s it. We’re all buzzing to come back in pre-season with the new manager, forget last year and bring Chelsea back to where they’re meant to be; fighting for titles."
The changes that have taken place include the arrival of Christopher Nkunku from RB Leipzig, who will add another figure that can compete in a similar position to the former PSV star but he sees that as part of forming an elite group and believes his teammates will agree.
Madueke said: “If you ask Raheem [Sterling] or Mykhailo [Mudryk], they’ll tell you the same thing. Top teams have that. Right and left you have three options. You want to perform because you have to.”
It is perhaps fitting that it is Sterling and Mudryk who have been name-checked by Madueke. After failing to find a transfer in the last two windows, Ziyech appears to be close to a transfer to Al-Nassr.
The future of Christian Pulisic remains more uncertain at the moment. Like Ziyech, Chelsea have struggled to facilitate a move for the winger in the past and it has been suggested that the American may require a loan to play his trade elsewhere next term.
That appears to be a move more akin to a deal that has been done in the past, whereas with Ziyech and Koulibaly there appears to be more of a willingness for the club to cut their losses. If the same can be done with Pulisic, it must be considered if options have been provided. A loan pushes the issue on another year, and Chelsea have countless examples of being locked into deals.
Like Mason Mount and Mateo Kovacic, Christian Pulisic is in the final year of his contract making it Chelsea's last opportunity to earn a fee. In 12 months time, Pulisic will have the opportunity to make more money in a free transfer so there may be interest in a loan from that perspective.
However, Chelsea's future already appears laid out, so if a fee can be found, Chelsea must give it every consideration. A loan cannot be ruled out either as Chelsea look to continue their transition however, as life without him almost seems underway already
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