First Chelsea signing of January transfer window done with star wanted by Man City
Chelsea have reportedly completed their first signing ahead of the January transfer window, while a Blues star is wanted by Man City. In addition to covering those updates, PoL examine what returning winger Noni Madueke said after returning with a goal
Pape Daouda Diong has been acquired by Chelsea ready for the summer from Académie Foot Darou Salam de Dakar. That is according to Fabrizio Romano.
Meanwhile Ian Maatsen is wanted by Man City, claims suggest. In spite of being given minimal minutes by Mauricio Pochettino amid a rare start versus Crystal Palace, it doesn't feel as though the Dutchman is a major part of the Argentine's thoughts.
Noni Madueke speaks after goalscoring heroics upon return to Chelsea team
Certain pundits and fans are baffled by the lack of appearances and starts made by the undeniably talented Madueke. Furthermore, some of his teammates are likely surprised that the England Under-21 star is not often placed wide on the pitch to receive their passes.
There are numerous factors as to why the 21-year-old has not played as much as he or some CFC supporters would have hoped. First of all, he is quite young: Pochettino will wish to have the player at his best and functional as opposed to ruining a prospect by rushing and unnecessary expectation.
Secondly, Madueke hasn't often been fully fit; at times, injuries have completely derailed his progress or diminished available minutes. Thirdly, there are other colleagues keeping him out of the side - but never out of the boss's plans entirely.
Following a triumphant comeback with CFC as a substitute on Wednesday against Palace, Madueke spoke to the media. Let's hear some extracts of what the former PSV Eindhoven man had to say:
"‘I am confident from the spot; I scored one earlier this season [against AFC Wimbledon],' Madueke later explained. 'So when I saw the VAR give the penalty, there was no doubt in my mind that I would take it.'"