Arsenal-bound Noni Madueke skips Chelsea’s Club World Cup triumph to watch Drake at Wireless Festival in London… as fans claim Donald Trump ‘took his medal’ in ceremony gatecrashing
Noni Madueke took the opportunity to enjoy Drake’s Sunday night set at Wireless while his Chelsea team-mates were winning the Club World Cup over in New Jersey.
Madueke is set to join Arsenal in a £52million switch, with a medical due to take place on Monday, and as such left Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad prior to the end of the tournament at the weekend.
He featured five times in the competition before returning to the UK, and as such will receive a medal for his contributions, though he wasn’t in place to pick it up himself.
As such, fans have taken to social media to joke that President Donald Trump had instead pocketed the medal after he was seen giving them out ahead of the controversial trophy lift.
Trump was seen joining Reece James, Cole Palmer and Robert Sanchez with the trophy, with the former Man City forward revealing afterwards he was left a little confused by the President’s inclusion.
Madueke, though, appeared to be enjoying himself in Finsbury Park, north London, despite Drake’s Sunday set picking up mixed reviews.
Chelsea forward Noni Madueke was spotted in the crowd at Drake’s Sunday Wireless concert, along with Jadon Sancho
Madueke played five matches at the Club World Cup before jetting to London ahead of his move to Arsenal
Fans joked Trump had pocketed a medal after he was seen handing them out on Sunday
Despite the extravagance of Friday’s and Saturday’s performances, featuring special guests ranging from Lauryn Hill to Vannessa Carlton, and showcasing a host of UK rap stars, Sunday’s struggled to live up to the billing.
A 40-minute set with just three special appearances – Popcaan, Rema and Vybz Kartel – left some fans feeling a little short-changed.
Madueke was spotted in the crowd alongside fellow Chelsea star Jadon Sancho, whose future is also seemingly away from Stamford Bridge.
The versatile winger is on the verge of joining Arsenal in a move that has not left all the Gunners’ fanbase feeling excited.
A fan petition was started against the transfer of the England international, however he would bring a strong option on both flanks in attack, providing good support for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Personal terms over a five-year deal are already in place.
The England international trained with his Blues team-mates on Thursday morning in New York ahead of their Club World Cup final victory against Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday.
Madueke was a regular for Chelsea last season, including playing the entirety of their Conference League final which they won against Real Betis.
Mikel Arteta’s side are set to add Madueke to their forward line this summer for £52million
The US President was also present as the Blues lifted the Club World Cup trophy
Drake’s Sunday show did not quite live up to the standards set on Friday and Saturday
It looks set to be a busy window for Arsenal, who have already added Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard.
The Gunners are thought to be eyeing up a move for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze next, while they remain in negotiations with Sporting Clube for Viktor Gyokeres.
For Madueke, a move across London represents an opportunity to prove that he can contribute at the highest levels, with fingers at times pointed to his return at Chelsea.
From 92 outings he has only scored 20 goals and provided nine assists, however he will want to prove he can play a part at next summer’s World Cup for Thomas Tuchel.
There is the adding fact of his having come through the ranks at Tottenham, before leaving for PSV Eindhoven back in 2018, before returning to the capital in January 2023 on a £26m deal.
