Arsenal open official talks over Noni Madueke deal as Chelsea set price tag | OneFootball

Gunners launch move for Blues winger as they continue talks over Viktor Gyokeres

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Arsenal have opened talks with Chelsea over a potential deal to sign Noni Madueke.

The 23-year-old winger is understood to have agreed personal terms on a five-year deal with Arsenal, who he sees as his preferred destination if he leaves Stamford Bridge this summer.

Madueke was an important player for Chelsea last season but faces renewed competition following the signings of Joao Pedro and Jamie Gittens, as well as the arrival of Estevao Willian.

Chelsea are open to selling Madueke this summer

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

Arsenal are also closing in on the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting.

The Gunners have been locked in talks over Gyokeres, who they hope to agree a deal for before the striker is due to report for pre-season training on Friday.

Standard Sport reported on Sunday how Arsenal’s proposal of €65million (£56m) plus €15m (£13m) in add-ons would need to be increased.

Madueke’s involvement at the Club World Cup has been limited. He started twice in the group stage before being reduced to cameos in the knockout rounds.

He played 22 minutes off the bench as Chelsea beat Fluminense 2-0 to book their place in the final on Tuesday night.

Speaking ahead of the tie, Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca gave little away as to Madueke’s transfer fate, simply saying he wanted his players to be ‘happy’.

He said: “Noni has been very important for us during this season. Today, again, he has been important.

“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.

“But again, Noni has been very good during the season and very good [against Palmeiras].”