'He missed a good opportunity' - Cucurella blasts Madueke for joining Arsenal from Chelsea

Marc Cucurella has publicly expressed his bewilderment at the timing of Noni Madueke's sensational £52 million (€60m/$69.9m) transfer from Chelsea to London rivals Arsenal.

Madueke's move to the Gunners, confirmed earlier this month, notably occurred towards the tail end of Chelsea's successful FIFA Club World Cup campaign.

Cucurella didn't shy away from sharing his thoughts when probed by journalist Gerard Moreno if Madueke's decision to leave Chelsea during the Club World Cup was "strange”.

Cucurella unequivocally replied, “Yes, I think so. I think he missed a good opportunity (although) he wasn’t playing as a starter.

“I do think it was because of everything that was happening regarding his future, and in the end, I think it could have delayed him a couple of days since he left a day early or something like that. It wouldn’t have cost him anything to wait for that next day. In the end, I think he missed a pretty good opportunity."

Madueke has signed a lucrative five-year deal with Arsenal, extending until 2030, in a move that signals a fresh start for the former PSV Eindhoven star.

However, both clubs appear content with the business conducted.

Madueke looks forward to donning the Arsenal colours, but he is currently not part of their pre-season tour to Asia.