Chelsea ‘regret’ Arsenal transfer amid ‘real surprise’ decision on replacement

Joao Pedro was the priciest acquisition at £60m, but Chelsea also placed bids for Jamie Gittens, Jorrol Hato, and Alejandro Garnacho.

Despite the outlay, Chelsea nearly balanced the books, generating over £300m through player departures.

Noni Madueke was the most valuable outgoing transfer, though former Chelsea winger Nevin feels that’s the one deal the club will be ‘regretting’.

There was surprise when Arsenal paid more than £50m for Madueke, especially given his inconsistent performances at Stamford Bridge.

Madueke scored just 13 goals across two-and-a-half Premier League campaigns, although he was part of the squad that won the Conference League last season and secured Champions League qualification.

Still, many Arsenal supporters were unimpressed by his signing, with some even launching a petition to block the move.

Those critics may soon be proven wrong, as Madueke has made a strong start at the Emirates, helping Arsenal climb to the top of the Premier League.

The 23-year-old has also stood out during this season’s international breaks and is expected to be named in Thomas Tuchel’s squad for next summer’s World Cup.

When asked if Chelsea might regret letting Madueke go, Nevin told Escapist Magazine: ‘It’s a good question because usually I would say no because Chelsea sell so many players that you forget after where they’ve gone. But this time maybe.

‘I have to say my eyebrows were raised when they let Noni Madueke go. And to bring Garnacho in… I’m not sure yet. Really not sure.

‘Between Garnacho, Gittens and Madueke, to choose one of those three to play each week at the moment I would be choosing Madueke. I wouldn’t really be hesitating over that for a second.

‘Chelsea are thinking of the value, the trading costs and all that sort of stuff. And I get that, because it’s kind of partially worked for them in some ways.

‘I think a lot of people at the end of this season will look at how Madueke’s done and look at how Garnacho’s done and compare them. I think there might be a wee bit of regret there.’

Chelsea will be hoping Garnacho and Gittens can step up to fill the gap left by Madueke’s departure.

However, Nevin was ‘really surprised’ by the decision to bring in Garnacho, especially considering Chelsea’s existing depth in wide positions and his dip in form at Manchester United.

‘Chelsea, it’s a real surprise,’ he told Bet Ideas. ‘I was surprised by that one.

‘When I was first asked about it, when it was being mooted I thought maybe I got it. Then somebody said £40m and I didn’t. That’s a big, big call given the players already there.

‘Is Garnacho going to be in front of Pedro Neto? Is he going to be in front of Estevao Willian? Because Estevao could be a very, very special player. He’s not going to be in front of Cole Palmer.

‘So there’s a lot of players in those positions. We’ll see. It’s hard if you’re not playing all the time and you’re a creative player.

‘Jadon Sancho found it at Chelsea. Madueke found it at Chelsea. It’s one of those intriguing, tough ones.

‘But I will say one thing to Garnacho – if you’re a wide player and you’re skilful and you do well at Chelsea, the fans like you. I remember that.’