‘Chelsea slap hefty price-tag on Noni Madueke as Arsenal in crowded transfer race’
Arsenal have been joined by several other clubs in the race to sign Chelsea ace Noni Madueke this summer.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a strong second full season with the Blues last term, after joining from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for £29million [Sky Sports].
But despite recording the best goal-scoring season of his career so far, Madueke’s inconsistency caused the winger to dip in and out of Enzo Maresca’s squad.
The Italian manager criticised the England international’s effort in training in December 2024, saying the winger “must work more” to secure a regular place in Chelsea’s team [BBC Sport].
Madueke’s output noticeably dipped as the season drew to a close, failing to register a goal involvement in the last 11 games and as such, the winger has been linked with an exit from the Blues this summer.
Arsenal interested in £50m Chelsea ace Noni Madueke
According to Ed Aarons of the Guardian on X, Arsenal and “several other clubs” are keen on signing Madueke.
The former PSR winger is “thought to be valued at £50m”, but Chelsea may be willing to negotiate on that figure.
Noni Madueke adds depth to limited Arsenal attacking options
Football Insider Verdict
Arsenal’s title-charge suffered as a result of injuries suffered by key players such as Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus last season.
Madueke would be unlikely to take his fellow England international’s starting place at right wing.
But left-wing is a different story, whilst not a natural at the position, the Chelsea star has impressed there at times, notably during England’s win over Andorra when other teammates like Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham struggled to get much going.
Martinelli is a well-liked player, but the Brazil international has struggled to kick on after a blistering start to his career at the Emirates and Madueke would offer a different playstyle on the left, given his natural left-footedness.
The 23-year-old is a truly enigmatic player, just as capable of winning a game single-handedly as he is disappearing completely.
But his highs for Chelsea may well be enough for Mikel Arteta to overlook the lows that saw him spend spells out of Maresca’s side last season.