Arsenal may have come unstuck in their search for one particular target this summer, according to reports - with Chelsea and England winger Noni Madueke currently 'unsure' about a switch to north London amid reported interest from the Gunners in recent days.
Madueke joined Chelsea in January 2023, scoring once in 12 games in his first half-season at the club - though his numbers have grown steadily since, notching eight in 34 last season before hitting a career-best 11 in all competitions last season as the Blues came fourth in the Premier League and won the Conference League. At just 23 years of age, Arsenal have taken an interest after a decent start to life in the top-flight - but the winger isn't all convinced.
Report: Noni Madueke 'Unconvinced' by Arsenal Move
The Chelsea winger doesn't want to play second-fiddle to other players
Noni Madueke in action for Chelsea
The report by Chelsea journalist Si Phillips, via his Substack, states that Chelsea are open to selling Madueke as has been reported in recent days - and the Gunners are beginning to take interest in the England international.
Noni Madueke's Premier League statistics - Chelsea squad ranking
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Although Madueke isn't on Chelsea's 'transfer list', they will listen to offers for him in the summer window, with 'big offers' expected after the Club World Cup. Arsenal director Andrea Berta has already reached out to his agents holding talks over a potential move, though Chelsea could see a bidding war arrive.
However, Phillips believes that whilst the former PSV Eindhoven star is open to all eventualities, including staying at Chelsea, and that he is keen to see what options are around, he is not currently convinced by a move to Arsenal.
The £60m-rated winger does not want to play on the left-hand side, and if he does go to Arsenal, he doesn't want to become a backup for Bukayo Saka, who is the poster boy of the entire club - which is what the most likely scenario would be if he moved to the Emirates Stadium.
That isn't to say that a move won't happen, but Madueke is seemingly unsure at present, despite Arsenal being in conversation with his entourage to convince him for a move to north London - as well as Mikel Arteta personally reaching out to him as he 'really likes the player'.
Arsenal are still pushing to get him on board, but other clubs may come in so that is a situation to watch.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 04-07-25.
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