Arsenal - Andrea Berta
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Arsenal have taken a major step in strengthening their attacking ranks, withThe Athletic reporting that the club has initiated contact with Chelsea over a potential deal for winger Noni Madueke. The 23-year-old England international has already agreed personal terms on a proposed five-year contract, making a move to the Emirates his priority despite interest from other clubs.
Madueke joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for £29 million and enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 campaign, registering 11 goals and five assists in 46 appearances across all competitions, including five games at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States. His ability to play on either wing, coupled with his pace, dribbling, and flair in one-on-one situations, has caught the attention of Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who is seeking greater depth and dynamism in the wide areas.
While a final agreement between the two London clubs has yet to be reached, discussions are progressing. Chelsea are reportedly seeking a fee in excess of £50 million for Madueke, who remains under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2030. Arsenal, meanwhile, are continuing an aggressive summer recruitment strategy under new sporting director Andrea Berta, which includes ongoing pursuits of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres.
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So far this window, Arsenal have already secured the signings of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5 million, Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £51 million, and Brentford midfielder Christian Nørgaard, further highlighting their intent to mount a serious title challenge in 2025/26.
🚨BREAKING: Arsenal have now made contact with Chelsea over the signing of Noni Madueke.
The two clubs are now in talks over the 23-year-old winger with personal terms already agreed on a five-year deal.
The player is prioritising a move to Arsenal over other clubs.… pic.twitter.com/L7NMToTO6W
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) July 9, 2025
Madueke’s possible departure has been made more feasible by Chelsea’s flurry of attacking signings, including Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and the imminent arrival of Brazilian wonderkid Estevão Willian.
Despite being a regular in Chelsea’s Premier League squad last season, appearing in 32 of 38 games, Madueke was omitted from two key matches due to “technical decisions,” raising doubts about his long-term role at the club.
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Madueke’s playing profile is particularly appealing to Arteta. Last season, 33% of his Premier League carries were classified as progressive, underlining his ability to break lines and stretch defences, qualities that could make him a useful rotation option for Bukayo Saka on the right and Gabriel Martinelli on the left.
However, The Athletic notes that not everyone within the Arsenal hierarchy is fully convinced about Madueke’s tactical fit, particularly regarding whether he can offer sufficient cover for Saka or adapt effectively to the left wing. Still, Arteta’s endorsement of the player and Madueke’s enthusiasm for the move have kept talks on track.
Should the transfer go through, Madueke would become the seventh player to cross the London divide from Chelsea to Arsenal since 2019, joining the likes of David Luiz, Willian, Jorginho, Kai Havertz, and most recently, Kepa Arrizabalaga.
During negotiations, Chelsea reportedly made a tentative enquiry about Arsenal’s 18-year-old star Ethan Nwaneri, who is on the verge of signing a new long-term deal. Arsenal, however, remain firm in their stance and are determined to keep hold of their highly-rated academy product.
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