Home
Arsenal
By Barnaby Lane
Posted on 7 July 2025, 16:49
Chelsea enquire about "special" Arsenal talent compared to Lionel Messi during Noni Madueke talks - Arsenal
Chelsea's Noni Madueke could be Arsenal-bound. (REUTERS/Kacper Pempel)
Over the years, many players have worn both Chelsea and Arsenal jerseys — whether by transferring directly between the two London giants or via spells elsewhere in between.
The list is impressive: Ashley Cole, Cesc Fàbregas, Nicolas Anelka, Olivier Giroud, Petr Čech, and Raheem Sterling, to name a few (though Gunners fans might want to forget the latter).
Now, Noni Madueke could be the next to join this exclusive club.
Most Read on The Transfer Tavern
According to the Metro, Arsenal have reportedly agreed personal terms with the England winger, who is keen on making the switch from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates. His playing time at Chelsea looks set to diminish following the arrivals of Jamie Gittens and Estêvão.
However, the two clubs are currently far apart on a potential transfer fee, with Chelsea valuing the 23-year-old at £50 million.
With so much spending already, and the need to balance the books for PSL (Premier League Salary) regulations to register new signings next season (who are they, Barcelona?), Chelsea may be forced to lower their demands, clearing the path for Madueke’s move.
Chelsea Also Eyeing Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri
Ethan Nwaneri in action with Manchester United's Diogo Dalot. (REUTERS/Phil Noble)
Ethan Nwaneri in action with Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot. (REUTERS/Phil Noble)
Madueke isn’t the only player potentially crossing the London divide soon.
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea have made an enquiry about signing Arsenal forward Ethan Nwaneri as part of the Madueke deal.
Enzo Maresca reportedly rates the young Englishman highly, with the 18-year-old described as a “special talent” by former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger and even compared to Lionel Messi by former Chelsea player Joe Cole.
Nwaneri prefers to stay at Arsenal, with talks progressing over a contract extension in recent weeks.
However, with Arsenal linked to high-profile names like Rodrygo, Madueke, and Eberechi Eze, Nwaneri is weighing his options — especially with even younger talent Max Dowman set to break into the first team during pre-season.
Arsenal’s desperation to land Madueke might see Nwaneri used as a bargaining chip to lower Chelsea’s asking price.
One thing’s clear: Chelsea have historically benefited from transfers between these two clubs — Fabregas, Giroud, and Cole all thrived for the Blues, while Sterling, David Luiz, and Willian struggled at Arsenal.
If this deal goes through, our bet is for it to follow that familiar pattern.
Recommended for you