In a significant development in the summer transfer window, respected football journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that Arsenal have initiated contact with Chelsea regarding a potential move for winger Noni Madueke. The 23-year-old England international has emerged as a key target for the Gunners, who are looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. According to Ornstein, the two London rivals are now engaged in discussions, with Madueke having already agreed personal terms with Arsenal on a proposed five-year contract.
🚨 EXCL: Arsenal make contact with Chelsea over move for Noni Madueke. Clubs now in talks after 23yo #CFC winger agreed personal terms on proposed 5yr contract. No deal yet but England int’l prioritising #AFC above any other interested sides @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/ptia0kQIGi
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 9, 2025
Arsenal’s Pursuit of Madueke
Arsenal’s interest in Noni Madueke has been brewing for some time, but recent reports indicate that the club has taken concrete steps to secure his signature. Ornstein, writing for The Athletic, revealed that Arsenal have made direct contact with Chelsea to explore the possibility of a transfer. While no formal offer has been accepted yet, the Gunners are reportedly preparing to submit an opening bid, with negotiations expected to intensify in the coming days.
Madueke, who joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for £26 million, has shown flashes of brilliance during his time at Stamford Bridge. Last season, he featured in 32 of Chelsea’s 38 Premier League matches, starting 27, and contributed seven goals and three assists. His versatility to operate on both the right and left flanks, combined with his direct style and flair, makes him an attractive prospect for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who is keen to add depth and dynamism to his attacking unit.
Personal Terms Agreed
In a significant boost for Arsenal, Ornstein reports that Madueke has already given the green light to the move, agreeing personal terms on a five-year contract that would keep him at the Emirates until June 2030. This development underscores Madueke’s prioritization of Arsenal over other interested clubs, signalling his enthusiasm for the project under Arteta’s leadership. The agreement on personal terms paves the way for club-to-club negotiations, which will now focus on bridging the gap in valuation between the two sides.
Chelsea’s Stance and Valuation
Chelsea, however, are expected to drive a hard bargain. According to *The Telegraph*, the Blues have set a minimum asking price of £50 million for Madueke, with hopes of securing a figure significantly higher. This valuation is partly justified by the recent transfer of Anthony Elanga to Newcastle for a similar fee, as Chelsea view Madueke’s contributions and potential as comparable. The winger’s long-term contract, which runs until 2030, further strengthens Chelsea’s negotiating position.
Despite Madueke’s importance to Chelsea, manager Enzo Maresca has adopted a pragmatic stance. Following Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup, Maresca addressed the transfer speculation, stating, “Noni has been very important for us during this season… But my message to the players and to the club is that I want just players that are happy to be with us. The ones that are not happy, they are free to go.” This suggests that Chelsea are open to negotiations if their valuation is met, particularly as they look to balance their squad following the arrivals of attacking players like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and Estevao Willian.
Strategic Fit for Arsenal
Arsenal’s interest in Madueke aligns with their broader transfer strategy to reinforce their attacking options. The Gunners have already secured goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer, but Arteta is keen to add a versatile forward capable of providing competition and cover for Bukayo Saka on the right wing while also offering flexibility on the left. Madueke’s ability to play on either flank, coupled with his Premier League experience and homegrown status, makes him an ideal candidate.
However, the potential signing has sparked some debate among fans and pundits. Former Arsenal defender Micah Richards has expressed concerns about where Madueke would fit in the starting lineup, given Saka’s undisputed role on the right. Madueke played primarily on the right for Chelsea last season (33 appearances compared to seven on the left), but Maresca’s recent use of him on the left in four of Chelsea’s final five Premier League games suggests he could adapt to Arsenal’s needs.
Challenges and Next Steps
The primary obstacle to completing the transfer remains the valuation gap. Arsenal are reportedly reluctant to meet Chelsea’s £50 million-plus demands, with some sources suggesting they are aiming for a deal closer to £40 million. The Gunners’ ability to finance the move may also depend on outgoing transfers, as they look to comply with Premier League financial regulations.
Additionally, Chelsea reportedly floated the idea of including Arsenal’s highly-rated 15-year-old academy star Max Dowman in a potential player-plus-cash deal, though this proposal is unlikely to gain traction given Arsenal’s high hopes for the youngster.
Conclusion
David Ornstein’s confirmation of Arsenal’s contact with Chelsea over Noni Madueke marks a significant step in what could be one of the summer’s most intriguing transfers between London rivals. With personal terms already agreed and negotiations set to continue, all eyes will be on whether Arsenal can meet Chelsea’s valuation to secure the versatile winger. If successful, Madueke’s arrival could provide Arteta with the attacking depth needed to sustain a Premier League title challenge, while further strengthening the growing pipeline of talent moving from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates.
