Chelsea’s decision to sell Noni Madueke to Arsenal and replace him with Alejandro Garnaacho of Manchester United has raised several eyebrows.
Though Chelsea were happy to let Madueke move to North London, his positive start to life in an Arsenal shirt has got many questioning the decision.
What’s added to the questions is the comparative slow start to life that Garnacho has made at Stamford Bridge.
While the Argentine played a part in setting up Chelsea’s goal against Brentford, he was also at fault for the late equaliser that the Blues conceded.
On the back of Madueke and Garnacho’s respective displays so far, many are questioning Chelsea’s decision to sell the English international to a direct rival.
Now, former Premier League star Shay Given has weighed in with his opinion on the matter.
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Shay Given questions replacing Noni Madueke with Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho was the kind of market opportunity Chelsea love to pounce on. A 21-year-old out of favour at his previous club, Garnacho’s undeniable potential made the move a no-brainer.
But many pundits are looking at the two players and questioning if this was indeed the right move.
Appearing on the BBC’s Monday Night Club, Given weighed in with his stance on the matter. He said, “I’m actually surprised that Chelsea let him go because it looks like they’ve replaced him with Garnacho, and at the minute, you would say Madueke is miles ahead of him.
“And I think he’s going to just get better and better. Still a young player, still going to be improved under Arteta, I’m sure. And enjoying that role.”
Given is the latest person to share his thoughts on the Madueke-Garnacho debate. On the same BBC episode, Chris Sutton revealed he was surprised at the decision to sell Madueke, having seen the potent relationship he formed with Chelsea’s star man.
He said: “He had that great understanding with Cole Palmer, didn’t he last season at Chelsea? I was surprised at the nature of his move across to Arsenal, you know, I think Chelsea have lost out there.”
But the Argentinian has some in his corner as well. Recently, Florent Malouda claimed Garnacho could follow a Palmer trajectory.
While Madueke has undoubtedly made a better start to life at his new club, it’s way too early to draw any conclusions about how both players will go on to do for their respective new clubs.
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