Report: Arsenal tracking Chelsea star amid transfer window shift | OneFootball

Report: Arsenal Among Clubs Monitoring Chelsea Winger This Summer

Arsenal’s search for attacking reinforcements has taken another twist, with Chelsea winger Noni Madueke emerging as one of several players under consideration. As reported by The Telegraph, Arsenal are understood to have conducted background checks on multiple wide options, with Madueke’s name among those assessed. However, it remains unclear whether the Gunners will follow through with formal interest.

Arsenal’s recruitment team, under Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu, are believed to be prioritising a wide forward and a striker during this transfer window. Spain international Nico Williams had been a prime target, but his expected move to Barcelona appears to have forced Arsenal to pivot, with Madueke now featuring on their radar.

Madueke, who is only 23, offers versatility with his ability to play on either flank, making him a potentially useful asset to provide cover and competition for Bukayo Saka. Despite his strong finish to the season and recent international recognition, Chelsea have not offered Madueke to clubs and he is not officially on the market.

Still, rivals believe Chelsea may be open to a deal.

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Chelsea’s shifting winger hierarchy

Pedro Neto has made himself Enzo Maresca’s preferred choice on the right wing since arriving at Stamford Bridge, meaning Madueke was increasingly deployed from the left in the latter stages of last season. Although he adapted well and ended the campaign with 11 goals and five assists, Chelsea’s active pursuit of a new left winger indicates a possible reshuffle.

Jamie Gittens has been identified as Chelsea’s top target to strengthen their left-sided options. Should that move materialise, it would likely see Madueke drop down Maresca’s pecking order at a crucial time in his development, particularly with the World Cup looming next summer.

The club’s willingness to listen to offers for players not deemed untouchable suggests there could be movement if a suitable offer arrives. Madueke is not categorised as off-limits, even though Chelsea are not actively shopping him around.

It would not be unprecedented for Arsenal to do business with Chelsea. In recent years, Kai Havertz and Jorginho have moved across the capital, while Raheem Sterling spent a short loan spell at the Emirates. Arsenal have also shown interest in Chelsea’s fringe players before, and there’s an existing precedent for constructive dialogue between the clubs.

Though The Telegraph confirms Chelsea have not received an approach for Madueke nor held formal talks with Arsenal, the north London side are believed to be monitoring the situation closely. Given their need for greater depth and attacking options, a formal move later in the window cannot be ruled out.

Other Premier League sides are also circling. Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, Madueke’s former club, are both in the market for right-sided wide players. Manchester United, meanwhile, are reportedly advancing in their pursuit of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo despite late interest from Spurs.

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England recognition boosts Madueke’s stock

Madueke’s strong club form was rewarded with a place in the England setup. His international credentials were underlined when he provided the assist for Harry Kane’s winner against Andorra during the most recent international window. As ITV Football noted:

“Harry Kane opens the scoring! He becomes the first player to score in each of a manager’s first three matches in charge of @England since Peter Crouch.”

Such moments only increase Madueke’s appeal to clubs seeking dynamic wide players with room for growth. At 23, he still has his prime years ahead and a strong European campaign or domestic season could well solidify his place in England’s plans for the 2026 World Cup.

Yet the reality is that with Maresca already reshaping Chelsea’s attacking setup, and with potential incomings, Madueke may be one of the more viable departures if Chelsea are to balance the books or create space for further reinforcements.

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From an Arsenal supporter’s perspective, this is the type of move that represents smart squad building rather than a headline-grabbing signing. Noni Madueke might not be the marquee addition fans are dreaming of, but he offers genuine qualities that could strengthen the team’s depth significantly. His ability to operate on both flanks gives Mikel Arteta options, especially during congested fixture periods where Saka and Gabriel Martinelli often carry too much of the burden.

Concerns might arise regarding his Chelsea ties and the risk of another Jorginho-style move that adds short-term cover rather than long-term development. But Madueke is only 23 and still developing. If he can replicate or exceed his 11-goal, 5-assist season in red and white, that could prove great value.

There’s also an element of poetic satisfaction in potentially seeing another promising talent swap west London for north London. Given Arsenal’s growing emphasis on tactical versatility and pressing structures, Madueke’s energy and close control could mesh well with Arteta’s evolving system.

If Arsenal can secure him at a reasonable price, it could be a shrewd signing that reinforces the wings without compromising financial flexibility. This wouldn’t be the marquee signing of the summer, but it might be one of the smartest.