Arsenal’s search for attacking reinforcements has taken an interesting turn, with Chelsea’s Noni Madueke emerging as a surprise candidate. Although Mikel Arteta’s primary focus remains securing a new striker, difficulties in landing top target Benjamin Sesko have pushed the Gunners to explore other offensive options.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are reportedly open to selling Madueke for around £50 million. The 23-year-old winger is among 15 players listed for transfer by the Blues despite having had a solid season—scoring and assisting 16 times across 41 games and helping the team lift the Conference League.
Madueke’s name has come up in recent conversations between Arsenal and Chelsea, with reports confirming the London rivals have opened talks. Having come through Tottenham’s academy and previously playing for PSV, the forward joined Chelsea for £30 million in January 2023. Now, his value has jumped considerably.
Arsenal are said to have cooled their interest for now, balking at the price, especially since other targets like Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon would cost even more. However, this deal isn’t completely off the table and could still be revived before the transfer window shuts.
Despite the rivalry between the two clubs, several players have switched sides in the Premier League era. Kepa Arrizabalaga is even expected to make the move to Arsenal soon. Madueke, meanwhile, is currently with Chelsea at the Club World Cup and may feature in their upcoming match against ES Tunis on Wednesday.
The Gunners already missed out on Nico Williams, who looks set to join Barcelona, intensifying the need to add width to their squad. Madueke, who recently made his England debut, remains a potential asset, though his future hinges on how Arsenal and Chelsea manage the next phase of negotiations.