Arsenal Have Taken One Step Forward To Sign Chelsea Attacker: What Will The Blues Gain From The Perceived Move? | OneFootball

The situation in London is boiling over again. The transfer market is active every summer, but this year the moves are even louder between two clubs that are looking at each other sideways. Arsenal are looking to strengthen their squad after falling short in the final stretch of the Premier League. Chelsea, for their part, are going through a rebuilding process that are forcing them to make drastic decisions. The names are coming out, and the rumours are growing by the hour. The interest in Noni Madueke is not just any old thing; it is a clear sign that Arteta does not intend to stay put. The English attacker could swap Stamford Bridge for the Emirates.

Arsenal Have Taken One Step Forward To Sign Chelsea Attacker Noni Madueke

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN – MAY 01: Noni Madueke of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s second goal during the UEFA Conference League 2024/25 Semi Final First Leg match between Djurgarden and Chelsea FC at Stockholm Arena on May 01, 2025 in Stockholm, Sweden. (Photo by David Lidstrom/Getty Images)

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal have already contacted Chelsea to enquire about Madueke. Talks between the clubs are still open and no deal has been finalised, but the player has already given the go-ahead on a personal level. He would sign for five seasons with the Gunners if the financial details are finalised. Madueke is 23 years old and is looking for a step forward in his career. His priority is to move to north London and not to listen to offers from other teams. The move is in line with Arteta’s desire to add more firepower up front, having also shown interest in Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres.

What do Chelsea gain?

But what do Chelsea stand to gain from letting Madueke leave for a direct rival? It’s not just any signing. The Blues would lose a young, fast winger with room for improvement. But at the same time, they free up salary and could open up space to give prominence to other talents or go for another reinforcement that fits better with Maresca’s project. Chelsea’s squad is bloated and in need of adjustment.

Raising money from Madueke could serve to balance the books and plan a more orderly summer window. Not all fans will welcome it, of course, but the management must take the risk. Arsenal, for their part, take a direct hit on the offensive line. If Madueke remains consistent and responds to Arteta, he will bring pace and one-on-one competitiveness. For us, loaning him to Arsenal is a risk.

Chelsea could reinforce someone who want to take a Champions League spot away from them. If Madueke explodes, the Blues will hear the criticism. This move shows that English football is going through a strange time, and that is rivals agreeing on direct sales without fear of reinforcing the competition. We think Arsenal have a clear advantage if they close this deal, and Arteta will know how to take advantage of it. Football punishes lapses, and Chelsea will have to compensate well if they don’t want to regret it in the spring. However, they don’t have any option at this moment of time.