Arsenal ‘tapping up’ claim made after deal agreed with Chelsea’s Noni Madueke
Arsenal are unlikely to be accused of ‘tapping up’ in their pursuit of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
Madueke and Arsenal have already agreed personal terms and a fee now just needs to be agreed between the two clubs before a transfer can be completed.
The Gunners have stepped up their interest in the 23-year-old over the past week, but no formal approach has been made for the winger.
Madueke is currently with Chelsea at the Club World Cup as they prepare for their semi-final clash against Brazilian side Fluminense.
He joined Chelsea from PSV in January 2023 for £29m and has made 91 appearances for the club scoring 20 goals and registering nine assists.
Journalist responds to Arsenal’s Madueke approach
BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty responded to a question from a reader [14:08, Monday July 7] questioning whether Arsenal’s approach to sign Madueke had been conducted correctly.
McNulty responded to the readers’ reference that club’s previously had been penalised for ‘tapping up’ players.
“You cannot talk to another club’s player – or certainly should not talk to another club’s player – without some sort of tacit agreement between the two clubs, and of course a lot of this would be done via agents,” McNulty said.
“I would imagine the selling club would be making a lot of noise if this was not the case.
“It may be the buying club wanting to ensure the player is willing to join them so everything can be agreed before trying to negotiate a price.
“This was done on many occasions in the past, albeit through the back door, but seems to be an accepted practice now, assuming it is with the agreement of both clubs.”
Madueke keen but role at Arsenal remains uncertain
Football Insider verdict
Arsenal and Madueke are both keen to get a deal done despite the player still playing for Chelsea over at the Club World Cup.
Madueke has started two games at the tournament for the Blues, but with the signing of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens confirmed, manager Enzo Maresca seems happy to let him leave.
As competition for Saka or a potential replacement for Martinelli, Madueke’s role at Arsenal is still not certain.
The 23-year-old has shown plenty of potential over his three seasons at Stamford Bridge and Arteta likes to sign young players who can develop.
| Appearances | 216 |
| Goals | 58 |
| Assists | 35 |
Kai Havertz is also an example of a player signed from Chelsea who can become an important part of Arteta’s project at the Emirates.
The Gunners require more depth in forward areas following their injury problems last season hampered their title challenge.
Arteta looks close to getting a deal over the line for Viktor Gyokeres and another forward may yet join.
If Martinelli does leave the Gunners could move for Real Madrid’s Rodygo, but Madueke’s arrival could put an end to that prospect.
A move is also being considered for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze who has a £68m release clause in his contract.