Option: Chelsea need to offload forgotten man who earns 2x more than Madueke

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Ongoing Turmoil at Chelsea Amid Boehly-Clearlake Rift

The tension between Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital continues to escalate at Chelsea, but despite the off-field drama, the team seems to be finding its rhythm under the guidance of Enzo Maresca.

Performance On the Pitch

While Chelsea’s recent 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace was a source of frustration, their 6-2 away victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers the week before showed sparks of brilliance. Cole Palmer shined, not only scoring but also assisting three goals. Noni Madueke was the direct beneficiary of Palmer’s sharp passes, boosting his tally to four goals across all competitions this season.

Madueke’s England Debut

Madueke’s outstanding early-season form earned him his first call-up to England’s senior squad. In his debut against Finland, he made an immediate impact by assisting Harry Kane’s second goal. With Lee Carsley, his former U21 boss, now managing the senior team, Madueke is eager to secure a permanent spot in the Three Lions squad after overcoming a slow start at Chelsea.

Chukwuemeka: The Forgotten Talent

While Madueke’s star is on the rise, Carney Chukwuemeka’s Chelsea career seems to be stuck in neutral. Signed from Aston Villa in 2022 for around £20 million, Chukwuemeka has struggled to make his mark at Stamford Bridge, with injuries and managerial changes hindering his progress.

Struggling for Game Time

Since arriving in London, Chukwuemeka has made just 27 appearances, contributing only two goals and one assist—a disappointing return for a player of his promise. Injury issues have continued to plague his time at Chelsea, leaving him with limited opportunities to break into Maresca’s crowded squad. Although the manager hinted at reintegrating him into the team, it seems unlikely he’ll get much playing time, especially with interest from clubs in Turkey.

Financial Implications

Chukwuemeka’s wage situation adds another layer to Chelsea’s dilemma. Despite not featuring in any matches this season, the Austrian-born midfielder is reportedly earning £100,000 per week. This puts him in the same salary bracket as Levi Colwill, Mykhailo Mudryk, and Jadon Sancho, despite his limited contributions.

In contrast, Madueke, who is becoming a key player under Maresca, is on a comparatively modest £50,000 per week. Given Chukwuemeka’s hefty wages, it might be in Chelsea’s best interest to either loan him out or sell him to free up funds.

The Future for Chukwuemeka

For Chukwuemeka, the ideal scenario would be a loan move to reignite his career, with any potential suitor sharing his salary burden. A permanent exit could also make sense if Chelsea can recoup close to the £20 million they paid for him. However, with few transfer windows still open, time is running out for a solution.