Chelsea scandal: Madueke leaves the club and joins Arsenal ahead of the Club World Cup final.

Just hours before Chelsea face PSG in the Club World Cup final, the English side received unexpected news after confirming that player Nonin Madueke has left the United States camp to sign with Arsenal.

The news caused a stir in the international press, as the player was in training camp for his team's most important match of the season. Arsenal had been working on the signing for days; he was one of their targets, and according to international press reports, the player decided to accept and left.

The Gunners bought the 23-year-old winger for £52 million, and although Madueke was expected to play in the final, the player decided to leave to undergo medical tests and sign a contract with the Gunners.

Madueke made five appearances for Chelsea at the Club World Cup, making it clear that manager Enzo Maresca was considering him for the tournament and was a possibility for the final.

It's worth noting that Madueke's absence wouldn't be a significant issue, as the starting player in that position is Pedro Neto , a star player for Chelsea at the Club World Cup. However, it could create instability within the team. Furthermore, if they are champions, they will miss the departure of one of their players early.

Madueke is a British footballer who plays as a midfielder. On January 20, 2023, he was announced as a new signing for Chelsea FC for around £29 million. In 2024, he made his debut for the England national team in a UEFA Nations League match against Finland.

More than 4,000 supporters signed a petition on Change.org opposing the British winger's arrival at the London club. Madueke has been criticized for his conduct on and off the field.

The Guardian reports that there is discontent within Chelsea with his progress since his arrival two and a half years ago. Current manager Enzo Maresca even publicly questioned his attitude in training.

Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea will battle this Sunday for the title of the first 32-team Club World Cup, a chance for the French to close out their historic season with a flourish or for the English to consolidate their return to the football elite. One of FIFA's flagship projects will crown a new champion at MetLife Stadium.

Les Parisiens are the big favorites after displaying mesmerizing football throughout their best-ever campaign, in which they won everything in France and their first European Champions League. Luis Enrique and company are aiming to close the season with a poker title and their first World Cup under their belt, while Enzo Maresca's Blues are on the hunt for their second global star, following the one they secured in the 2021 edition under the old seven-team annual format.

The champion will also pocket $125 million, one of FIFA's sweeteners to particularly entice European clubs, who were initially reluctant to participate because the tournament, scheduled to take place every four years, coincides with the end of their grueling season.