‘Chelsea open door for Arsenal to sign Noni Madueke after agreement reached’
Chelsea have opened the door for Noni Madueke to join Arsenal after they completed the signing of Joao Pedro from Brighton.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson explained that Enzo Maresca is now keen to shift some of his attacking players after Pedro became the latest addition to their squad.
Madueke, 23, has emerged as a key target at the Emirates as is being considered an a rotational option for Bukayo Saka and an alternative to Gabriel Martinelli.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider in May that Arsenal are open to letting Martinelli leave – adding to their interest in the Chelsea winger.
Meanwhile, Madueke is edging closer to a move away from Stamford Bridge and wants to play more regular football to secure his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad.
This comes after Football Insider revealed in April that Enzo Maresca has concerns about Madueke’s attitude and whether he fits in with his plans for the future.
Arsenal plot Noni Madueke deal after Chelsea exit latest
Arsenal are not the only club interested in the Chelsea winger as Football Insider revealed in April that Tottenham and Aston Villa want to sign Madueke.
However, there is a growing belief that they can offer him the best option for regular football and to be part of a title-challenging squad.
Robinson explained that the deal would be one that works for all parties and the Gunners are set to push forward in their attempts to bring him in.
“The workload on Saka has been obvious for the last two or three seasons,” he told Football Insider.
“Madueke is a player who can certaintly cover both sides.
“Martinelli has been up and down in his form.
“I think Madueke gives you the option in tour side of obviously playing on either side, but he also puts pressure on who’s holding the jersey.
“I think with them [Chelsea] signing Joao Pedro, it makes that deal a little bit easier.
“For a player like Madueke, with his international ambitions as well at 23 years old, it might be a good move for everyone, this.”
Viktor Gyokeres update emerges after ‘face-to-face’ talks
Alongside their ambitions of signing a winger, the top target for Arsenal this summer has been to sign a new striker after their struggles in recent years.
Football Insider exclusively revealed on 4 July that Arsenal are closing in on signing Viktor Gyokeres and are growing in confidence that a deal will be agreed.
Sources say the striker’s representatives were in Portugal this week for showdown talks with Sporting to try and thrash out an agreement over his exit.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 21 June that United have dropped their interest in Gyokeres after he made clear his desire to join Arsenal.
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