David Ornstein: Arsenal open transfer talks with Chelsea over winger deal | OneFootball

Arsenal Open Talks with Chelsea for Noni Madueke: Is a North London Switch on the Cards?

David Ornstein of The Athletic has reported that Arsenal have officially opened talks with Chelsea regarding the potential signing of Noni Madueke. With personal terms already agreed between the player and Arsenal, it appears Mikel Arteta’s side are keen to wrap up a deal for the 23-year-old winger as they look to bolster their attacking options.

According to Ornstein, Madueke is “prioritising the north London side over any other options”, highlighting the player’s desire to make the move across the capital. The proposed contract is a five-year deal, which would secure the England international’s future at the Emirates through his prime years.

Statistical Growth and On-Pitch Maturity

Madueke’s form over the 2024–25 campaign has certainly turned heads. In 46 appearances for Chelsea across all competitions — including five at the FIFA Club World Cup — he notched 11 goals and five assists. This marks a clear improvement on the previous season’s return of eight goals and four assists.

Photo: IMAGO

His Premier League impact has also grown, featuring in 32 out of 38 league games. That kind of consistency — especially in a Chelsea side in transition — shows maturity in his game. It’s this development that has piqued Arsenal’s interest.

As Ornstein notes, “Madueke offers a two-footed attacking threat from the wing — but it may be his improvement out-of-possession that has caught Arteta’s eye.” That line gives insight into the player’s tactical evolution, making him a more complete asset for a high-pressing system.

Previous Disciplinary Blips Raise Questions

Still, it hasn’t been plain sailing. Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca made some bold decisions during the season — twice leaving Madueke out of matchday squads. He was notably dropped from the squad for the 3-0 win over Aston Villa in December due to underwhelming training performances, and again for the defeat to Fulham later that month, which Maresca chalked up to a “technical decision.”

While such moments may raise questions about his consistency or attitude, they don’t seem to have deterred Arteta — a manager renowned for demanding high standards both on and off the pitch.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, this potential move for Noni Madueke feels like an exciting but calculated risk. On one hand, you’re getting a player who has Premier League experience, European pedigree from his time at PSV, and a skill set that aligns with Arteta’s tactical blueprint — particularly his ability to drive at defenders from either flank.

However, some will wonder if his inconsistency and disciplinary issues under Enzo Maresca are red flags or just part of a young player’s learning curve. Arsenal have built a strong team culture under Arteta, and any new arrival needs to fit seamlessly into that setup. That said, Arteta has shown he’s capable of moulding raw talent — look at the development of players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard.

What also makes this interesting is that it seems to signal Arsenal’s intent to add directness and unpredictability in wide areas, perhaps even to manage Saka’s workload or give the squad more tactical flexibility. With Champions League football and a Premier League title challenge on the horizon, squad depth will be crucial.

Madueke’s improved off-the-ball work and willingness to track back suggest he’s ready to take the next step — and if that step is at the Emirates, Arsenal fans may soon find themselves with another crowd favourite on their hands.