Arsenal have taken the next step in their bid to sign Chelsea star Noni Madueke, according to reports - with the Blues star being 'granted permission' to leave the Blues' camp in America before leaving for their London rivals in a major swoop.
Mikel Arteta has already signed compatriots Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi this window, with the latter joining from Real Sociedad in a £60million move - alongside Christian Norgaard, who joined from Brentford earlier in the week, although those deals were expected to go through for some time. Now, the attention has turned to their attacking ranks, with the club needing extra firepower and depth to fire them over the line when it comes to winning trophies.
Ornstein: Madueke 'Flying to UK' to Undergo Arsenal Medical
The winger has been a part of Chelsea's Club World Cup action in the USA
Noni Madueke in action for Chelsea
Viktor Gyokeres is their main target, with the Swede now refusing to partake in pre-season with Sporting in a bid to force through a move after a spellbinding season in the Primeira Liga saw him notch 39 goals in just 33 games, winning the Portuguese top-flight as a result.
But it appears that Madueke will get there first, with Enzo Maresca allowing him to depart after a two-and-a-half-year stint at Stamford Bridge, with Arteta slowly set to welcome the England international into his squad, according to reports.
The report by David Ornstein on X (formerly Twitter) states that Madueke has been 'granted permission' by Chelsea to leave their camp in the USA, having reached the Club World Cup final, and that will see the 'unplayable' star undertake his medical at the Emirates Stadium before completing a move to the Gunners.
The winger won't train with the Blues, instead flying back to the UK today to finalise the switch after a full agreement was reached on a £52million deal. The winger has a five-year deal in place once the move to north London is done and dusted.
Madueke has made 92 appearances for the west London outfit, with 29 goal contributions in that time - and although he's likely to feature as a backup to Bukayo Saka, he could also be developed on the left-flank to overtake Gabriel Martinelli in that spot should he show strong form at the Emirates Stadium.
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt. Correct as of 11-07-25.
Noni Madueke in action for Chelsea. Related
Arsenal agree fee of £50m to sign Noni Madueke from Chelsea
Arsenal have agreed a deal with Chelsea to sign winger Noni Madueke for just over £50m according to Fabrizio Romano. The England international had recently agreed personal terms with the Gunners before a potential move across London. The London rivals have now reached an agreement in principle over a fee, with the finer details needing to be finalised. The 23-year-old is currently part of Chelsea's squad at the Club World Cup and came on as a substitute as the Blues reached the final of the competition. He has played 92 times for Chelsea since joining them from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 and scored 20 goals. Romano said on X: "𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐄 𝐆𝐎! Arsenal agree fee in excess of £50m for Noni Madueke from Chelsea. Package in excess of £50m with add-ons included, green light from Chelsea to proceed as it’s all done. Madueke already agreed a five-year deal at Arsenal days ago, and he’s now set to join, Mikel Arteta wanted him."
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