Joe Cole claims form of “fantastic” player has justified Chelsea making £52m summer sale

Joe Cole believes the impact of Estevao has shown Chelsea made the right decision to sell Noni Madueke in the summer.

Estevao arrived from Palmerias after the Club World Cup, although the Blues agreed a deal worth up to £51.4m in the summer of 2024.

The 18-year-old has made a brilliant impact at Stamford Bridge, and has five goals in all competitions, including three in the Champions League.

Joe Cole believes Chelsea were right to sell Madueke

Roberto Di Matteo has been very impressed by Estevao, and the Brazil international has rightly been getting plaudits for his form.

Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has praised Estevao, and the teenager is in line to start in Sunday afternoon’s huge game against Arsenal.

Estevao has hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Chelsea took the decision to sell Madueke to Arsenal to £52m to make room for Estevao, and Cole believes the form of Estevao has vindicated that decision.

“That transfer always made sense to me,” he said as quoted by Metro.

“You want to get the best young players in your club.

“The debate with Chelsea has always been what is the right amount for those transfers to get done.

‘Bringing Estevao in was a no-brainer. Against Barcelona, he was brilliant from the off and really lifts the team up.

“I’ve always said he’s going to gradually get more important, and by the end of the season, he’d be regularly starting the big games. It seems that’s now happening before Christmas.

“He’s a fantastic player, and the fans have got a new darling. It’s exciting times for Chelsea.”

Enzo Maresca ready to unleash Cole Palmer and Estevao

The form of Estevao has been a real positive for Chelsea, and they’ve been handed a further boost with Cole Palmer now fit to return to action.

Palmer hasn’t played since 20th September, but is ready to face Arsenal, a game in which he’ll likely start on the bench.

More Stories / Latest News

Joe Cole claims form of “fantastic” player has justified Chelsea making £52m summer sale

30th Nov 2025, 02:00pm

Journalist – Chelsea have no chance of “easy” deal for £70m rated star next summer

30th Nov 2025, 01:30pm

Jody Morris names player Chelsea will have a “fight on their hands” to sign in 2026

30th Nov 2025, 01:00pm

The prospect of Palmer sharing the pitch with Estevao is exciting, and the duo have only played together for four minutes this season.

They could get another chance on Sunday afternoon, and it’s sure to be a combination which will cause the opposition all sorts of problems.