Arsenal
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Arsenal are reportedly preparing an offer for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke as Mikel Arteta looks to further strengthen his attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The 23-year-old England international is currently in the United States with Chelsea on Club World Cup duty, but his future at Stamford Bridge appears increasingly uncertain amid growing interest from the Gunners.
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea are expecting a formal bid from Arsenal and are open to selling Noni Madueke for a significant profit after signing him from PSV Eindhoven for £30 million two and a half years ago. The Blues are expected to demand £50 million for the winger, after Arsenal rejected their proposal to include 15-year-old wonderkid Max Dowman as a makeweight in the deal.
Sources indicate that Arsenal have already agreed personal terms with the player and are now finalising preparations for their opening bid. Madueke has emerged as a key target for Arteta, who is keen to add more depth and quality on the flanks as Arsenal look to mount a serious challenge for domestic and European honours.
Arsenal - Noni Madueke
Arsenal - Noni Madueke
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca addressed Madueke’s future ahead of their next Club World Cup match, hinting that the winger could depart if he is no longer committed to the project.
“Noni has been very important for us,” Maresca said. “But my message to the players and to the club is that I want just players that are happy to be with us. The ones that are not happy, they are free to go. Noni has been very good during the season.”
Arsenal have been actively monitoring a number of wide attacking options this summer. Alongside Noni Madueke, they have been linked with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, and Spain international Nico Williams, as Arteta aims to increase competition and cover for starters Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have officially announced the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The 26-year-old Euro 2024 winner joins on a long-term deal after Arsenal triggered his £51 million release clause. Zubimendi, previously a target for Liverpool and also linked with Real Madrid, adds composure and control to a midfield already boasting Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
Speaking to the club’s official website, Zubimendi expressed his excitement about the move: “This is a huge moment in my career. It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are. I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently, and the best is yet to come.”