Arsenal have agreed a £52million deal with Chelsea to sign Noni Madueke, and the winger's arrival at the Emirates Stadium will have a major impact on one young talent
13:15, 11 Jul 2025
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 08: Noni Madueke #11 of Chelsea FC looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final match between Fluminense FC and Chelsea FC at MetLife Stadium on July 08, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Carl Recine - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Noni Madueke is set to join Arsenal from Chelsea(Image: Carl Recine - FIFA, FIFA via Getty Images)
Chelsea winger Noni Madueke is set to join Arsenal, to the pain of Gunners fans.
On Wednesday - a day before Chelsea and Arsenal agreed on a £52million deal for the 23-year-old - '#NoToMadueke' was trending on social media. Some Gunners supporters even started a petition in an attempt to stop their club from signing the England international.
While Arsenal fans may not be thrilled right now, the 23-year-old still has potential and seems poised for a breakout performance. Despite showing promise at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea were never able to bring the best out of Madueke.
Regardless, a £52million agreement appears to be a win-win for both clubs. Arsenal secure their target, who could either rotate with Bukayo Saka or be deployed on the left wing by Mikel Arteta.
Meanwhile, Chelsea make a tidy profit of over £20million, having signed the England winger from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for a sum believed to be around £30million.
Estevao Willian of SE Palmeiras applauds at the end of the FIFA Club World Cup quarter final football match between SE Palmeiras and Chelsea FC. Chelsea FC won 2-1 over SE Palmeiras.
Estevao Willian could replace Madueke at Chelsea(Image: Nicolò Campo, LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Chelsea had to address their winger dilemma. Pedro Neto has rapidly emerged as Enzo Maresca's top pick on the right flank, demonstrating stellar form at the FIFA Club World Cup.
In addition, Estevao Willian is set to join the Blues at Cobham from Palmeiras later this summer, with the club holding the 18-year-old Brazilian in high regard.
With Madueke's departure, a clear path has been carved out for Estevao, who notched a goal against Chelsea in the Club World Cup quarter-final in Philadelphia earlier this month.
Estêvão of SE Palmeiras (C) fights for possession with Cole Palmer (R) and Marc Cucurella (L) of Chelsea FC during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter final match between SE Palmeiras and Chelsea FC at Lincoln Financial Field on July 4, 2025 in Philadelphia, United States.
Chelsea saw Estevao's talents first hand(Image: Sports Press Photo, Getty Images)
Initially, it seemed unlikely that Estevao would find space in Maresca's lineup given the presence of both Neto and Madueke. Yet now Estevao is poised to play a key role alongside Neto.
During his stint at Chelsea, Madueke has caused mixed feelings with supporters. Some fans see him as a potential superstar, whereas others criticise him for being selfish and frustrating.
It's apparent that Maresca has faced challenges with Madueke; the Chelsea manager excluded him from two matchday squads during the 2024/25 Premier League season, citing a "technical decision" and poor training performance as reasons.
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There were uncertainties, and Maresca even appeared exasperated with the situation when questioned about Madueke's future following the victory over Palmeiras a week ago.
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Madueke's transfer to Arsenal will now create an opportunity for Estevao to thrive.
If he turns out to be even half as good as Chelsea anticipate, then Madueke's move could well be seen as a blessing in disguise.