Noni Madueke Set for Arsenal Switch in £52m Deal from Chelsea

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea in a deal worth £52 million. The England international has already agreed terms on a five-year contract and is expected to complete his move to the Emirates soon. While it was initially thought that negotiations would begin after the FIFA Club World Cup, things have moved quickly behind the scenes, with the two London clubs reaching an agreement.

Madueke is said to be open to the move, keen for a fresh start and a more consistent role — something that’s been hard to come by at Stamford Bridge. Arsenal had been in the market for a left-sided attacker this summer, even exploring options like Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. But they’ve decided to go with the 23-year-old, who, despite primarily playing on the right for Chelsea last season, is seen as a player who can offer flexibility across the frontline. 

Chelsea originally signed Madueke from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for £29 million. He still has five years left on his current contract, but his future at the club looks uncertain after their flurry of attacking signings this summer. The Blues have already added Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Estêvão, and João Pedro to their ranks, with Geovany Quenda also set to arrive from Sporting Lisbon next year. 

Madueke, who made 33 appearances on the right for Chelsea in the 2024–25 campaign, was often overlooked during key moments. He didn’t score or assist in the seven times he was used on the left, but his late-season form under Enzo Maresca was promising. He finished the season playing on the left in four of Chelsea’s final five league games and even started there in the Conference League final. 

What will Madueke provide Arsenal? 

The Gunners already have Bukayo Saka and rising star Ethan Nwaneri as right-wing options, but there’s an understanding at Arsenal that Saka has been overused in recent seasons. From 2021 to 2024, Saka started 108 of Arsenal’s 114 league games — an enormous workload that finally took its toll last season when he missed three months with a hamstring injury. Madueke’s arrival could help ease that pressure. 

More than just squad depth. His arrival will finally give Gabriel Martinelli some much-needed competition. While Madueke prefers to play on the right, he will challenge Martinelli and Trossard, as he has played on the left wing for Chelsea and England. He offers directness, raw pace, and a desire to take defenders on. 

In fact, per 90 minutes last season, Madueke attempted more dribbles and shots than both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. He also carried the ball significantly further, indicating his ability to drive into dangerous areas. He may not yet be the complete product, but there’s a spark there — one Arsenal clearly believe can be developed under Mikel Arteta. 

The move makes sense for both clubs. Chelsea get a tidy profit, which helps with their financial fair play issues, while Arsenal add a player with Premier League experience and room to grow. If all goes to plan, Madueke’s arrival could be one of the more quietly important signings of Arsenal’s summer. 

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