Tom Weber
Tom Weber
Updated: 9 Jul 2025 14:41 BST
4 min read
Noni Madueke, Arsenal
© IMAGO
Arsenal have formally opened talks with Chelsea to sign Noni Madueke, according to David Ornstein.
The Gunners have identified the England winger as a potential backup option for superstar forward Bukayo Saka, who has been forced to be something of Arsenal's 'iron man' in recent seasons due to a lack of adequate cover.
Injuries finally caught up with Saka last term, and Arsenal have thus decided to finally sign another player in his position. Madueke, due to his age, Premier League experience and ability to also feature on the left, is an attractive option.
Arsenal have already managed to agree personal terms with the 23-year-old, who has had a mixed time of it at Chelsea since joining the club in January 2023.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Madueke is prioritising talks with Arsenal over other suitors, and the North London giants have now formally made contact with Chelsea.
Arsenal open Madueke talks
The transfer insider reports that Arsenal have opened talks with the Blues to discuss a deal for Madueke. Earlier on Wednesday, Fabrizio Romano reported that negotiations were scheduled, with the two clubs not yet aligned on the final price of the winger.
There is no agreement in place, and signing Madueke could prove a pricey affair for Arsenal. Some reports have claimed that Chelsea could demand north of €50 million for the 23-year-old.
Noni Madueke
© IMAGO - Noni Madueke
Arsenal and Chelsea have done a lot of business in recent years, and it hasn't always been successful for the Gunners. Earlier this summer, Kepa Arrizabalaga moved from West to North London in a €6m deal.
Arsenal also remain in talks over potential deals for Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Cristhian Mosquera, while Christian Norgaard's signing is expected to be announced imminently.
The Gunners are likely to spend north of €200m on new recruits this summer, having already brought in Martin Zubimendi for €70m and the aforementioned Kepa.
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