Former Chelsea star Joe Cole admits he remains ‘gutted’ that his old club sold ‘outstanding player’ Noni Madueke to London rivals Arsenal.
The 23-year-old moved to the Emirates from Stamford Bridge in a £50m move in July last year.
It was a move which split opinion among Arsenal fans as Madueke was in-and-out of the Chelsea side before making the switch across the capital to the Premier League title challengers.
The England international has had a positive start to life with the Gunners, though, making 19 appearances in all competitions so far as Mikel Arteta’s side go very well in the Premier League and Champions League.
Cole feels the winger frustrated Chelsea fans during his three seasons with the Blues, but recognised his talent and was very disappointed to see him depart.
‘I was gutted to see him leave Chelsea,’ Cole told TNT Sports. ‘He gets you off your feet, he can go both ways, he’s capable of that.
‘I think the thing that frustrated the fans, though he’s still a young man, it wasn’t regular enough.
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‘He’s gone to Arsenal and I think he’s thrived with competition, got [Bukayo] Saka in front of him.
‘I think he’s an outstanding player, I was gutted to see him leave Chelsea, but he’s doing well.’
Madueke has scored three Champions League goals in three appearances, including a stunning effort against Club Brugge.
However, while he has looked threatening, his numbers in the Premier League are not catching the eye, as he is yet to score or provide an assist in 14 top flight outings for the Gunners.
Arteta reflected this with comments on Madueke after an FA Cup performance against Portsmouth and ahead of a Carabao Cup clash with Chelsea earlier this month.
‘He was very influential, very positive,’ said the manager. ‘In some other things that we need to improve in terms of consistency, but the level of threat that he provides to the team is remarkable.’
Madueke talked up Arteta’s influence in his move earlier this season, saying it was the Spaniard who convinced him to leave Chelsea for Arsenal.
‘I think the first time I got on the phone with Mikel was a great conversation,’ he said.
‘It was me and my dad and him. He just highlighted the plans he had for the team and the plans he had for me.
‘A lot of the things that he said really resonated with me and then, of course, I knew how good the team was and that they were in a position to really challenge for major honours. So that’s what made the choice for me.’
