A number of extra eyes will be on Arsenal's clash with Leeds United this weekend, as a result of Noni Madueke piquing the interest of European powerhouses
Noni Madueke raises his hand
Noni Madueke could has landed on a number of clubs' radars(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Noni Madueke has caught the eye of Atletico Madrid and Juventus, despite not starting a single Premier League fixture for Arsenal this season. The 24-year-old has been putting in additional work at Colney, after being left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the Nations League.
Madueke will now be concentrating fully on this weekend's return to domestic action, as Arsenal welcome Leeds United to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, October 10 in the early kick-off. And while football supporters across the globe will be watching to see Mikel Arteta's side hopefully reclaim top spot in the table - considering they currently sit three points behind league leaders Manchester City - the Gunners may face particular scrutiny over Madueke.
That's because Atletico Madrid and Juventus are understood to be monitoring the versatile winger. It's suggested that the two European giants could attempt to take advantage of Madueke's diminished role under Arteta, and potentially pursue a bargain deal when the January transfer window opens.
However, other clubs may also express interest in the Barnet-born talent in the coming days, weeks and months.
While Madueke secured 16 Premier League starts in 2025/26, the current campaign has proved far less fruitful. He and Viktor Gyokeres are amongst the first-team players yet to make a start in the Premier League for Arsenal this season, with the Spaniard seemingly making it clear that he doesn't view either as first-team starters.
Christos Tzolis has picked up a hamstring injury while on international duty with Greece, leaving his return date uncertain.
That setback could lead Arteta to deploy Madueke on the left flank, given that his alternatives in that position behind Tzolis are limited, with Eberechi Eze perhaps better suited to playing in the pocket.
For that reason, whether Arsenal would be prepared to let Madueke leave in the January window remains to be seen.
However, should Atletico's interest prove to be serious, it could hand the Gunners a significant edge in their pursuit of Julian Alvarez.
The north London club were strongly linked with the Argentine forward throughout much of the summer, but ultimately fell short of getting a deal over the line.
Noni Madueke and team-mates
Noni Madueke has attracted interest(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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With Alvarez having admitted he was keen to seek a fresh challenge during the transfer window — including a dream switch to Barcelona — he has faced a fierce backlash from Atletico Madrid supporters this season, with jeers and boos greeting him during La Liga fixtures.
Should the hostile reception from fans persist, it could push the club into offloading him in January, with Arsenal potentially able to include Madueke in a swap arrangement to land Alvarez in north London.
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