Chelsea winger Noni Madueke is set to make a surprise switch across London to join Arsenal in a deal reportedly worth up to £52 million. The 23-year-old is said to have agreed to a five-year contract with the Gunners.
The move comes as Madueke seeks more regular first-team opportunities. Despite making 32 Premier League appearances for Chelsea last season, contributing seven goals and four assists, the arrival of several new attacking players at Stamford Bridge has seemingly pushed him down the pecking order under manager Enzo Maresca.
Chelsea, who signed Madueke from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for a fee of around £28.5 million, are set to make a significant profit on the sale. The club reportedly feels that Madueke has not progressed as much as they had hoped since his arrival.
The transfer has been met with a mixed reception from the Arsenal faithful, with some fans expressing their reservations online. However, the move is seen by Arsenal as a way to provide quality cover and competition for Bukayo Saka on the right wing. Madueke, an England international, will be looking to solidify his place in a competitive Arsenal squad ahead of the new season.
Madueke made a total of 92 appearances for Chelsea, scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists during his time at the club. His final appearance for the Blues could come in the upcoming Club World Cup final. The transfer is expected to be officially completed following a medical.
