Arsenal - Noni Madueke
Image credit: Getty Images
Arsenal have completed a £52 million agreement with Chelsea to sign winger Noni Madueke, marking a major statement in the 2025 summer transfer window. The 23-year-old England international is set to sign a five-year contract at the Emirates and is expected to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s attacking options ahead of the new season.
The deal, confirmed by Sky Sports News and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, is structured to include an initial £48 million base fee, with an additional £4 million in performance-based add-ons. These add-ons are understood to be tied to appearances, goals, and club achievements in domestic and European competitions, though the precise milestones remain undisclosed.
This payment structure allows Arsenal to manage their finances efficiently while still meeting Chelsea’s valuation. The upfront £48 million represents a significant portion of the fee, demonstrating Arsenal’s intent to secure the player swiftly amid interest from other clubs. Chelsea, meanwhile, benefit from immediate cash flow, a timely boost following a recent fine for breaching Financial Fair Play regulations.
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The West London club had initially demanded a guaranteed £50 million, referencing comparable winger transfers such as Anthony Elanga’s £55 million move to Newcastle. However, the final agreement reflects a compromise, offering Chelsea a profit on the £28.5 million they paid PSV Eindhoven for Madueke in January 2023.
Arsenal - Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke (Image credit: Getty Images)
Madueke, who recorded 11 goals and five assists in 45 appearances last season, departs Chelsea amid an attacking reshuffle at Stamford Bridge. With the arrivals of Liam Delap (£30m), João Pedro (up to £60m), Jamie Gittens (£48.5m plus add-ons), and Sporting Lisbon’s Geovany Quenda expected in 2026, Chelsea view the sale of Madueke as a strategic decision to streamline their squad and ease financial pressure.
For Arsenal, the signing reflects a continued focus on versatile, high-upside talent under Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta. Madueke is expected to provide depth behind Bukayo Saka on the right wing and offer competition on the left alongside Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
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The deal’s structure with a large fixed payment and manageable incentives, offers Arsenal flexibility as they continue to pursue further reinforcements, including Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze and a new striker.
However, the move has generated mixed reactions among Arsenal supporters. Critics point to Madueke’s struggles on the left flank, where he failed to register a goal or assist in seven starts last season. Some fans question the £52 million outlay, particularly with pressing needs in central midfield and the No. 9 role. Former players and pundits such as Micah Richards have labelled Madueke a strong squad option but not an immediate starter, given Saka’s entrenched role on the right.
Madueke is expected to depart Chelsea’s Club World Cup camp in the United States to undergo a medical in London before finalising his move. Once complete, he will become Arsenal’s fourth signing of the window following the arrivals of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Martin Zubimendi.
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