“He’s an exciting talent” – Chelsea owners reveal why they pushed to sign Super Eagles-eligible attacker

The Blues completed a multimillion-euro move for the Anglo-Nigerian youngster late on Friday night as their spending spree continued unabated

Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali are convinced that Chukwunonso ‘Noni' Madueke boasts elite quality and that is the primary reason the club left no stone unturned to sign the young winger from PSV Eindhoven.

Madueke had been on the radar of some of Europe's biggest clubs, including Serie A champions AC Milan, after several excellent performances for PSV.

However, PSV were reluctant to sell the 20-year-old in the same transfer window that they allowed Cody Gakpo to join Liverpool.

But Chelsea were not to be denied and the Blues coughed out £29m to convince PSV to part with their prized asset.

The 20-year-old has signed a seven-and-a-half-year contract, with a club option to extend for a further year.

Madueke becomes Chelsea's sixth January signing, following deals for Mykhailo Mudryk, David Fofana, Andrey Santos, and Benoit Badiashile, plus the loan signing of Joao Felix.

Despite having so many attacking talents on their payroll at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea Chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali believe Madueke is a talent they could not just overlook.

“We're delighted to bring Noni to Chelsea,” the owners told the club's official website.

“He's an exciting talent who has proven his quality over the past few years with PSV, playing in a strong European league, and we are thrilled he has chosen to join Chelsea for this next stage of his career. We are sure he will form an important part of our team.”

An England youth international raised at Tottenham Hotspur, Madueke is delighted to return to the Premier League.

The new Chelsea number 19 said, “I’m really pleased to sign with one of the best clubs in the world in Chelsea.

“To return to England and play in the Premier League is a dream for me and my family and I can’t wait to get started. I am excited for what the future holds, the owner's vision for the future, and to be at a club like this and winning at the highest level.”

Madueke has represented England at different youth levels but he remains eligible to play for Nigeria's Super Eagles through his father.

The youngster could be a quality addition to the Jose Peseiro-led team while offering elite competition for Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze on Nigeria's right flank.