With Chelsea demanding £50 million for Madueke, Arsenal should pivot to these proven Premier League performers
Arsenal’s pursuit of Chelsea’s Noni Madueke appears increasingly problematic, with the Blues demanding £50 million for a player whose output doesn’t justify the fee. Rather than overpaying for potential, Mikel Arteta should redirect his attention to three alternative targets who offer better value and immediate impact for the Gunners’ title ambitions.
1. Anthony Gordon – The Premier League Proven Option
Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon represents Arsenal’s most realistic high-quality alternative to Madueke. The England international has been consistently linked with Arsenal throughout 2025, with reports suggesting the Gunners are considering him as their primary target after cooling interest in Nico Williams.
Gordon’s impressive performances for Newcastle have caught Arsenal’s attention, particularly his ability to operate effectively on the left wing – an area Arsenal are specifically looking to strengthen this summer. The 24-year-old’s pace, directness, and goal threat make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s system, while his Premier League experience eliminates adaptation concerns.
What makes Gordon particularly attractive is his proven big-game mentality. The former Everton winger scored crucial goals in both legs of Newcastle’s EFL Cup semi-final victory against Arsenal, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. His work rate and defensive contribution align perfectly with Arsenal’s high-intensity approach.
However, Gordon recently signed a new Newcastle contract until 2030, which could complicate negotiations. Additionally, reports suggest he may prefer a move to Liverpool over Arsenal, though the Gunners’ Champions League football and London location remain significant advantages.
Read More: Arsenal Transfer Targets 2025: 3 Pacey Wingers Arteta Could Sign to Fight Liverpool and City for the title
2. Antoine Semenyo – The Goal Threat Arsenal Need
Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo has emerged as another compelling option for Arsenal’s attacking reinforcement. Arsenal have also been monitoring Semenyo ahead of the summer transfer window, recognizing his potential to transform their attack.
Semenyo’s impressive 13 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances for Bournemouth last season demonstrate his consistent threat, significantly outperforming Madueke’s output. The Ghanaian international’s ability to operate on either flank provides tactical flexibility that Arteta values highly.
At 25, Semenyo offers the perfect blend of current ability and future development. His physicality and pace make him suited to the Premier League’s intensity, while his finishing ability addresses Arsenal’s need for additional goals from wide areas. His Champions League ambitions align with Arsenal’s project, though he hasn’t ruled out moves to clubs outside European competition.
The main challenge lies in competition from Manchester United and Tottenham, but Arsenal’s Champions League football and London location provide significant advantages in any transfer battle.
3. Nico Williams – The Long-Term Solution
Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams remains Arsenal’s most ambitious but potentially rewarding alternative. Williams has been an Arsenal transfer target for a long time, with his £50 million release clause making him financially comparable to Madueke.
However, recent developments complicate this pursuit. Reports suggest Williams has agreed terms with Barcelona, though the Catalan club’s financial constraints could still leave room for Arsenal to intervene.
Williams’ pace, directness, and proven ability at the highest level make him a transformative signing. His performances for Spain and in European competition demonstrate the quality that separates him from Madueke. At 22, he offers the perfect age profile for Arsenal’s long-term planning.
The Spain international’s left-footed preference would provide natural balance to Arsenal’s attack, offering a different dimension to their current options. His work rate and tactical discipline under Spain’s system suggest he would adapt well to Arteta’s demands.
Why These Options Trump Noni Madueke
Each alternative offers superior value propositions to Madueke’s £50 million price tag. Raphinha brings Champions League experience and proven quality at the highest level, addressing Arsenal’s need for big-game performers. Semenyo has proven his Premier League credentials with consistent performances for Bournemouth, suggesting he could excel in Arsenal’s superior tactical environment. Williams, while carrying similar risk, offers international experience and transformative potential that Madueke lacks.
The timing factor also favors these alternatives. With Barcelona’s continued financial difficulties potentially making Raphinha available, and competition from United and Tottenham for Semenyo creating urgency, Arsenal could capitalize on market dynamics to secure proven talent.
Most importantly, each player addresses Arsenal’s core need for consistent attacking output. While Madueke offers promise, these alternatives provide immediate solutions to the Gunners’ attacking challenges.
Arsenal must act decisively in the coming weeks. Rather than gambling £50 million on Madueke’s potential, targeting proven performers like Raphinha and Semenyo, or pursuing a transformative talent like Williams, represents a more strategic approach to their title ambitions. The difference between promise and production could define Arsenal’s 2025-26 campaign.