Arsenal are on the verge of finalising a £50 million deal with add-ons included for Chelsea forward Noni Madueke, as Mikel Arteta continues his summer squad revamp.
Madueke, who joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven for £29 million in January 2023, made 45 appearances for the Blues last season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists. The 23-year-old has played 91 times for Chelsea, with his current deal set to expire in 2030.
Initial expectations were that talks would begin after the FIFA Club World Cup, but negotiations have progressed quickly. Madueke is reportedly open to making the switch across London, and personal terms on a five-year contract have already been agreed in principle.
Arsenal’s Forward Strategy
Arsenal have been targeting a left-sided forward this summer, despite Madueke spending the majority of last season on the right flank—making 33 appearances there for Chelsea. He featured just seven times on the left without registering a goal or assist.
The Gunners have also been tracking other forward options, including Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, but appear to be prioritising Madueke due to his availability and cost. Arsenal already have Bukayo Saka and rising star Ethan Nwaneri capable of operating on the right.
Chelsea’s Transfer Balancing Act
Chelsea have been active in the transfer market this summer, signing striker Liam Delap for £30 million from Ipswich Town, Joao Pedro from Brighton in a deal worth up to £60 million, and Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund for £48.5 million plus add-ons.
These high-profile signings have increased the pressure on Chelsea to comply with UEFA Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. The club recently reached an agreement with UEFA requiring them to balance spending with player sales in order to register new signings for European competition.
This financial situation has made them more receptive to offers for players like Madueke. Although the club is not officially listing him for sale, they are willing to entertain serious bids.
Rodrygo Alternative Still on the Table
Real Madrid forward Rodrygo remains a top alternative for Arsenal. The Brazilian international is seen as a more high-profile option, having won two Champions League titles with Real. However, his £69 million (€80m) valuation and unclear role under new Madrid boss Xabi Alonso complicate matters.
Rodrygo prefers playing on the left, which aligns with Arsenal’s needs. But the Gunners are unlikely to pursue both him and Madueke, making it a case of one or the other.
Analysis: Is Madueke the Right Fit?
Arsenal’s pursuit of Madueke has surprised many. While he offers strong depth on the right and serves as adequate cover for Saka, questions remain about his effectiveness on the left—where he failed to score, assist, or create a big chance in seven starts last season.
However, Chelsea did win six of those seven matches, and Madueke has shown flashes of promise on the left at international level, including an assist for England against Andorra. Still, his comfort and impact appear stronger on the right wing.
Conclusion: A Likely Deal with Caveats
Madueke has handled the transfer speculation professionally, continuing to perform well for Chelsea during the Club World Cup, where he featured as a second-half substitute in matches against Palmeiras and Fluminense.
Despite his commitment, Chelsea’s financial constraints and Arsenal’s pressing need for wide reinforcements make this move increasingly likely. If completed, Madueke would become Arsenal’s second major signing of the summer—and a key piece in Arteta’s evolving attack.