David Ornstein: Chelsea winger gives “green light” to Arsenal move | OneFootball

Arsenal Agree Personal Terms with Noni Madueke – Could a Deal Be on the Cards?

Arsenal Making Moves for Chelsea Winger

In a development that could spark yet another high-profile intra-London transfer, Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Noni Madueke, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic. While no formal discussions have taken place between the clubs, the 23-year-old Chelsea winger is said to have “given his green light to the move,” which signals growing momentum towards a potential deal.

Arsenal, who already poached goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea this summer, appear keen to bolster their right-wing options. Madueke, a versatile attacker who can also operate on the left, has emerged as a serious target.

Madueke’s Mixed Chelsea Spell

Madueke’s time at Chelsea has been a rollercoaster. Despite some standout moments, inconsistency and fitness concerns have cast a shadow over his Stamford Bridge tenure. The former PSV Eindhoven star registered 11 goals and 5 assists across 45 appearances this season. Notably, this included action in the Club World Cup held in the United States.

Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. He missed games due to a hamstring injury and was twice dropped by Enzo Maresca — once for the 3-0 win over Aston Villa due to reportedly poor training displays and again against Fulham for what the manager labelled a “technical decision.”

Since arriving from PSV in January 2023, Madueke has made 91 appearances for Chelsea. His long-term contract runs until 2030, which could complicate any potential fee negotiations.

A Strategic Fit for Arsenal?

Arsenal’s interest in Madueke stems from a desire to add attacking depth and versatility. Alongside Madueke, The Athletic also highlighted Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers as options on the Gunners’ radar.

Mikel Arteta’s squad already features a solid attacking core, but adding a flair player like Madueke could serve multiple purposes—easing the burden on Bukayo Saka, offering rotation, and bringing in a player with senior England experience. Madueke received his first senior England call-up in August 2024 and has since won seven caps.

The Gunners have already showcased their willingness to exploit market opportunities, as evidenced by the £5m deal for Kepa. Their relationship with Chelsea could again prove pivotal.

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Chelsea’s Rebuild Continues

For Chelsea, this move would represent a strategic offload. With Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens joining their ranks this summer—at a combined potential cost of over £90m—the Blues’ forward line is undergoing a significant rebuild. Madueke’s departure could create space and balance for the new arrivals.

Should Arsenal formalise their interest with a bid, the Blues may view this as an opportunity to trim their squad while still commanding a decent fee for a player tied down until 2030.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, this rumoured move is an intriguing one. Madueke isn’t the perfect profile just yet—his form and fitness have fluctuated—but the raw talent is undeniable. At 23, he fits the club’s recruitment model: young, English, technically gifted, and still developing.

What makes this potential signing appealing is his ability to play on either wing, which could provide much-needed rotation for Saka and Martinelli. His direct style and flair could add a new dimension to Arsenal’s attack, particularly against low blocks where extra dribbling quality is often required.

Some supporters may have concerns over his discipline and tactical understanding—issues that surfaced under Maresca. But Mikel Arteta has shown he can coach and refine players like Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz into more complete versions of themselves. With the right environment, Madueke could thrive.

Financially, the concern will be over Chelsea’s asking price. With a long-term contract in place, this won’t be a cut-price deal. However, the strong relationship between the clubs may help facilitate a smoother negotiation than expected.

In short, this feels like a smart risk. Not a blockbuster signing, but one that adds depth, pace, and long-term upside—key ingredients if Arsenal want to go one better in the title race.