In a surprising twist in the 2025 summer transfer window, Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has reportedly agreed personal terms with Premier League rivals Arsenal, setting the stage for a potential move across London. The 23-year-old England international, currently with Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, has given the green light to join Mikel Arteta’s squad, though club-to-club negotiations are yet to commence.
This development, reported by credible sources including The Athletic’s David Ornstein and journalist Fabrizio Romano, could see Madueke become the latest Chelsea player to don Arsenal’s red and white, following in the footsteps of David Luiz, Willian, Jorginho, Kai Havertz, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
🚨 Noni Madueke agrees personal terms with Arsenal as they consider approaching Chelsea for England int’l. #AFC have 23yo green light + strong relations with #CFC but no club-to-club talks yet. Firm option to bolster on both wings. W/ @SebSB @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/d1ZrHPwyMD
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 5, 2025
Madueke’s Journey and Appeal
Noni Madueke, a product of Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace’s youth systems, made his name at PSV Eindhoven before joining Chelsea in January 2023 for £26 million. Since arriving at Stamford Bridge, the winger has made 91 appearances, scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists across all competitions. In the 2024-25 season, he featured in 45 matches, including four substitute appearances at the ongoing Club World Cup, where he played in Chelsea’s 2-1 quarter-final victory over Palmeiras. Despite his contributions, Madueke has struggled to cement himself as an indispensable starter under Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca, who has occasionally dropped him for “technical decisions” and cited concerns over his training performances.
Arsenal’s interest in Madueke stems from their need for a versatile attacking player to bolster their wing options. With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli as established starters, Arteta is seeking depth to manage the physical demands of a grueling season, especially after Arsenal’s third consecutive Premier League runner-up finish. Madueke’s ability to play on both flanks, though primarily on the right, makes him an attractive option. His direct dribbling, two-footedness, and improved pressing—highlighted by his 0.42 non-penalty expected goals (xG) per 90 minutes last season—align with Arteta’s tactical demands for an aggressive, versatile winger
The Transfer Landscape
According to reports, Arsenal and Madueke have settled on a five-year contract until June 2030, with the player open to the move despite his current focus on Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, where they face Fluminense in the semi-finals on July 8, 2025. While personal terms are in place, no formal bid has been made to Chelsea, and negotiations over a transfer fee could prove complex. Chelsea, who signed Madueke to a seven-and-a-half-year deal in 2023, are reportedly seeking at least £50 million, though some sources suggest they might settle for £40 million due to financial pressures following a UEFA settlement. This fee would deliver a profit on the £26 million they paid PSV, aligning with Chelsea’s need to balance their books after significant summer spending on players like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and the incoming Estevao Willian.
Chelsea’s depth in attacking areas, with players like Pedro Neto, Estevao, and Tyrique George vying for spots, may make them more open to letting Madueke go. Maresca’s comments on the matter were blunt: “Noni has been very important for us. 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 stance suggests Chelsea would not block Madueke’s exit if a suitable offer arrives, especially given Arsenal’s good relations with their London rivals, evidenced by the recent £5 million transfer of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Arsenal’s Broader Strategy
Arsenal’s pursuit of Madueke is part of a broader push to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025-26 season. The Gunners have already secured Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi for £51 million, Brentford’s Christian Norgaard, and are closing in on Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres. Other targets like Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo have been linked, but Madueke’s deal appears more advanced. His signing would provide competition and cover for Saka, whose workload has been a concern, and complement Arsenal’s existing wingers, including Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and young prospect Ethan Nwaneri.
However, the move has sparked mixed reactions among Arsenal fans. Some see Madueke as a valuable addition, praising his “fearless” dribbling and potential to develop under Arteta, while others worry it could limit Nwaneri’s minutes, especially with the 18-year-old’s contract talks ongoing and Chelsea reportedly monitoring his situation. Social media posts on X reflect this divide, with some fans excited about Madueke’s reported enthusiasm to learn from Saka, while others dismiss him as “Chelsea’s deadwood.”
Chelsea’s Counter-Interest
Adding intrigue to the saga, Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a shock move for an unnamed Arsenal star, separate from Madueke’s potential transfer. While details remain sparse, this suggests a possible swap deal or further negotiations between the clubs, which could complicate matters. The identity of the Arsenal player in question remains undisclosed, but speculation points to Nwaneri due to his uncertain contract status.
What’s Next?
With Chelsea focused on their Club World Cup semi-final against Fluminense, where they’ll face former legend Thiago Silva, any formal approach from Arsenal is likely to wait until after the tournament. If a deal is struck, Madueke’s move could be finalized before Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia begins on July 19, 2025. A transfer fee above £50 million would mark a significant investment for a player yet to fully realize his potential, but Madueke’s youth, versatility, and familiarity with the Premier League make him a calculated gamble for Arteta’s ambitious project
As the transfer window heats up, Madueke’s potential switch to Arsenal promises to be one of the summer’s most intriguing storylines. Whether he can translate his raw talent into consistent performances at the Emirates remains to be seen, but for now, the stage is set for a high-stakes negotiation between two Premier League giants.