Chelsea want £50m as Arsenal ramp up winger negotiations | OneFootball

Arsenal Step Up Madueke Interest as Chelsea Demand Over £50m

Madueke emerges as priority target for Arsenal

Arsenal are moving forward in their pursuit of Noni Madueke, with discussions now progressing between the clubs. As reported by The Telegraph, Chelsea are holding out for offers exceeding £50 million for the 23-year-old winger, having initially signed him for £30 million from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023.

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The England international has made 67 Premier League appearances, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists. His ability to operate on either flank adds to his appeal, particularly for an Arsenal side keen to increase depth and competition across their front line.

Sources suggest that Arsenal view Madueke as a long-term solution out wide, with the potential to challenge both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for starting roles. The deal would mark the club’s seventh acquisition from Chelsea since 2019 and second this summer, following Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £5 million move.

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Tentative Chelsea move for Nwaneri

In a parallel thread during negotiations, Chelsea have also registered an initial interest in Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri. The 18-year-old is currently in talks with the Gunners regarding a new contract, though interest from German clubs has complicated the situation.

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Nwaneri enjoyed a standout breakthrough campaign last season, scoring nine goals in 37 appearances. Chelsea’s interest, while not advanced, is being closely monitored and could develop depending on how Arsenal’s wider transfer plans evolve.

Maresca’s stance on Madueke exit

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca was measured when addressing Madueke’s future:“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. It’s not for Noni, it’s for all the players we have.”

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This aligns with Chelsea’s recent recruitment drive, having already completed the £48.5 million signing of Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, with a further £3.5 million in potential add-ons.

Market context and Arsenal’s wider strategy

Chelsea’s valuation of Madueke has been influenced by Newcastle United’s reported willingness to pay a similar figure for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. Arsenal’s hierarchy, including sporting director Andrea Berta, are continuing to assess multiple attacking targets, including Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, though the feasibility of such a move remains uncertain.

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The idea of allowing another young, talented winger to move to a rival feels like déjà vu for Chelsea fans. Seven players since 2019, and now potentially another, heading to the Emirates. Even if Chelsea stand to profit financially, the sense of long-term loss continues to sting.

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Madueke was billed as a developmental project when he arrived from PSV. Quick feet, a low centre of gravity and a touch of unpredictability. In flashes, he delivered. But in reality, he was often stifled by rotation and inconsistent game time. Just as he starts to look ready, Chelsea seem poised to cash in.

There’s also growing concern that the club is becoming reactive, rather than proactive, in the market. Gittens may well flourish, but if he follows the same inconsistent trajectory, supporters will again question the strategy. As for Nwaneri, watching Chelsea chase an Arsenal prodigy while allowing one of their own to depart to the same club feels oddly incoherent.

Yes, football is a business, but fans still crave identity. And when that identity keeps moving up the M1 to north London, it becomes harder to defend.