Chelsea are looking to complete their sixth signing of the January transfer window. The Blues are in advanced talks with PSV Eindhoven regarding a move for talented winger Noni Madueke, football.london understands.
Christopher Vivell is thought to be the driving factor behind Chelsea's move for the 20-year-old after he was on RB Leipzig's radar during Vivell's time in Germany, football.london has been told. Madueke has missed the majority of the 2022/23 season due to an ankle injury, making just nine appearances for the Dutch outfit.
The PSV talent was signed from Tottenham back in 2018 and has represented England at different youth levels on a number of occasions. football.london reported last week that Chelsea were interested in signing Madueke, but PSV were reluctant to sanction a January move and would prefer to negotiate a deal in the summer.
READ MORE: Chelsea's next January transfer decision is already underway following Mykhailo Mudryk deal
The Blues have already completed deals for David Datro Fofana, Andrey Santos, Benoit Badiashile, Joao Felix and Mykhailo Mudryk this month. With that being said, football.london takes a look at the latest updates regarding Madueke's proposed move to Stamford Bridge as Todd Boehly targets signing number six of the winter window.
Chelsea in 'advanced talks'
Chelsea are in advanced talks with PSV over a deal for Noni Madueke worth around £35million, football.london understands.
The Blues opened talks for the signing of the 20-year-old last week, but PSV were adamant they were not going to sell Madueke. However, there has been a breakthrough and Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal with a package worth around €40million (£35million) for the former Tottenham youngster's signature.
A source has told football.london that talks intensified on Thursday afternoon and now a deal is close to being struck for the winger. The Englishman will fly to London very soon to undergo a medical with the Blues.
PSV send Boehly instruction
PSV Eindhoven will allow Noni Madueke to leave for Chelsea in the January transfer window, should Todd Boehly supply a significant offer. That's according to Dutch journalist Marco Timmer, who has discussed the Englishman's future to Voetbal international.
"If Chelsea add some money, PSV will proceed to sell," he told Voetbal International. "(It depends) how deep the pockets of the new owner are."
Verbal bid made
Dutch outlet ED reports that an opening verbal bid worth €30million (£26.6million) has been lodged by Chelsea ahead of a potential January switch. New talks with PSV are said to be scheduled for the near future, with the Eredivisie side open to negotiations, but under no obligation to sell.
January move 'possible' amid £40m asking price
According to the Eindhovens Dagblad, PSV will only be willing to let Madueke leave for a fee in the region of €45million (£39.9m) - similar to what Liverpool paid for Cody Gakpo. Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink wrote: "In principle, PSV's intention is that it will only be sold next summer, but nothing is impossible this winter either.
"According to well-informed sources, PSV has taken the position that it must now generate a minimum amount of around €40-45 million (£35.4-39.9m). That would at least be the first target price and scare off potential buyers."
PSV transfer stance
PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy discussed transfer interest in Madueke as Chelsea step up their efforts to sign the 20-year-old.
"I know there is interest," Van Nistelrooy said. "But as a coach you would rather keep your best players. Situations can arise where clubs come in with an offer than cannot be stopped.
“There can be situations like with Gakpo where top club comes with a certain offer… I hope to keep Noni, we will see”.
It's now up to Chelsea to strike a deal with PSV for Madueke, and then to convince the player himself to return to his homeland for the foreseeable future. Marcus Thuram of Borussia Monchengladbach is also someone being looked at by Chelsea this window.
Chelsea open talks to sign Madueke
Chelsea are now in talks with PSV Eindhoven over a deal to sign winger Noni Madueke this month, football.london understands.
PSV are adamant they do not want to sell Madueke this month after selling Cody Gakpo to Liverpool, but Chelsea believe the Dutch club would sell for around €45million (£40m). The Blues are now in talks with PSV over a potential deal which could see a fifth player arrive at Stamford Bridge this month – with the club's new technical director Christopher Vivell pushing for the move, football.london has been told.
Liverpool block January exit
The Blues could be forced to wait until the summer to land the 20-year-old due to Liverpool's purchase of Cody Gakpo, football.london understands. PSV are reluctant to let go of yet another attacker in January with a summer move more likely.
Chelsea interested in Madueke
Chelsea have identified PSV Eindhoven winger Noni Madueke as a possible attacking reinforcement this month, football.london understands. The Blues are understood to be keen on bolstering Graham Potter's attacking ranks after seeing their quality in the final third drop recently.
Premier League return and new deal in 2021
Madueke has constantly been linked with a return to England since moving to the Netherlands in 2018 – and playing in his homeland is something he dreams of doing one day.
"Yeah, definitely," the PSV attacker replied in September 2021 when asked if he wants to play in the Premier League. "The Premier League is the best league in the world and every young English player wants to be there.
"But also I am not someone who is afraid to venture elsewhere. So, whatever is best for my development, whichever country, I am a person who won't be scared to take the leap."
Explaining why he signed a new contract in Eindhoven in 2021, Madueke said: "In terms of signing a new deal, I feel comfortable committing my future to the club at this point and it has been a great start to the season [2021/22]. I am playing happy.
"When you are going well there is always interest. My focus is playing well for my club, it is best to stay this summer. It is the right decision."
Madueke's current deal with PSV is set to expire in 2025.
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