It isn’t any news that Arsenal is one of the big spenders in this summer’s transfer window. Having signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, they acquired Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad and now Noni Madueke. Expectations are clear that Viktor Gyokeres is almost on his way to the Emirates Stadium.
After weeks of quiet negotiations, Arsenal has finally wrapped up the signing of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke in a surprise £52 million deal, and this could prove to be one of the smartest attacking additions of the summer.
Softfootball understands that Arsenal and Chelsea reached an agreement late on Tuesday night, with personal terms already long sorted with the player. Madueke, 23, is expected to sign a five-year deal running until June 2030.
According to transfer expert David Ornstein, Mikel Arteta had long admired Madueke’s blend of ball-carrying, unpredictability, and technical flair, three attributes that have been somewhat lacking when Bukayo Saka is unavailable or heavily marked.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Madueke spent time at Crystal Palace and Tottenham before moving to PSV Eindhoven at 16, a decision that developed his directness and bravery in one-versus-one duels. He later joined Chelsea in January 2023 and, despite limited minutes, flashed enormous promise.
An Opta report stated that:
“He’s electric in tight spaces and thrives in isolation scenarios.”
“Among all Premier League players with 500+ minutes last season, Madueke ranked 4th for successful dribbles per 90 (3.9) and 6th for carries into the box.”
Madueke to relieve Saka and replace Martinelli
The 23-year-old is a right-footed left winger who often plays inverted on the right, exactly like Bukayo Saka, but can also be deployed wide left or as a second striker. What he adds, though, is more chaos, more 1v1 attempts, and a stronger preference for cutting inside and drawing fouls.
Madueke may not have lit up the Premier League last season in terms of goals (4) or assists (3), but underlying metrics reveal a more complete picture.
According to the Athletic, his expected goals + assists (xG+xA) per 90 stood at 0.48, on par with players like Mohammed Salah. His progressive carries per 90 (6.8) and successful take-ons per 90 (3.9) both ranked top 10 among Premier League wingers, and he was Chelsea’s most foul-won attacker per 90, showing how dangerous he is in the final third duels.
Last season, 33 percent of his total carries in the Premier League were progressive, defined as carries greater than five meters and moving the ball at least five meters towards the opposition goal only Jeremy Doku (38 percent) had a higher share among players who played at least 900 minutes.
What Arteta says about new Arsenal boy Madueke
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is evolving his team into a more flexible, press-resistant unit capable of punishing teams with both possession and pace. Madueke fits perfectly into that vision.
Arteta once said Madueke fit into his profile, said that:
“I like players that can unlock tight spaces with dribbles and quick decisions.” “You need difference-makers in the final third, and Noni gives us that chaos and verticality.”
The Spaniard had previously relied heavily on Saka, sometimes to the point of exhaustion, with few reliable backups. Madueke is not only a rotation option; he could play alongside Saka if Arsenal deploys a 3-4-3 or use him on the left when Martinelli is rotated.
Though often seen as an individualist, Madueke is surprisingly efficient in combination play. At Chelsea, he combined well with Malo Gusto and Nkunku in overloads, particularly in matches where Chelsea pressed from the front.
His arrival opens up fresh link-up possibilities at Arsenal, especially with Kai Havertz, Leandro Trossard, and Declan Rice, who love third-man runs. Madueke could even be used in a two-striker system behind Gabriel Jesus in certain tactical setups.
It also means more tactical flexibility: Arteta can rest Saka without diluting the threat from the right wing.
