Noni Madueke: Why it would not make sense for Arsenal to sign £50m Chelsea winger this summer

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·1 Juli 2025

Noni Madueke: Why it would not make sense for Arsenal to sign £50m Chelsea winger this summer

The Gunners need a statement signing to reach the next level, but is the Blues star the man they need?

Question mark: Noni Madueke would not solve Arsenal’s problems

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Arsenal have been on an upward trajectory for some years under Mikel Arteta and last season reached the Champions League semi-finals.

They feel like a marquee signing away from tipping the balance in their favour, having built a physical and consistent brand of football under the Spaniard.

This has led to links with Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak and Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, transfers that would move the needle, marking a true statement of intent.

Chelsea's Noni Madueke, a promising but equally frustrating figure during his two and a half years in west London, is another player in the conversation as Arsenal search for reinforcements in attack. But a move for the 23-year-old would represent a peculiar decision for everybody involved.

Arsenal are in the market for a winger who can play on both flanks and shortlisted Madueke after the Englishman was shifted from his favoured right-wing position to the left-hand side towards the end of last season.

Frustrated: Madueke struggles to influence matches when playing off the left flank

Chelsea FC via Getty Images

With no goal involvements in eight appearances from left wing in a Chelsea shirt, it's clear Madueke, who has scored 20 goals in 90 appearances for the Blues, is far more effective from the right and is not necessarily the versatile fit Arsenal are after.

Madueke, too, needs to be playing regularly to build the consistency he has been lacking, and with Bukayo Saka indispensable when fit, minutes will be sparse on the right of Arsenal’s attack.

Madueke would either have to settle for a role as understudy to Saka or play out of position on the left, where he has routinely struggled to make an impact.

This is a transfer that doesn't appear to suit either party and, in a season where Arsenal need certainty if they're to end their 21-year wait for a league title, Madueke offers more questions than answers.

While Chelsea have no shortage of options in attack and would be open to selling Madueke, they'd only do so for a price that reflected the lengthy contract he signed upon moving from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, which is not due to expire until 2030.

Arsenal, who will look to challenge for the title next season, would be expected to part with a significant sum for a player who has yet to consistently prove his worth in the Premier League. Madueke, meanwhile, would see his development stunted at a pivotal juncture in his career.

There seems no obvious upside for Arsenal or Madueke ahead of what is hoped will be the season Arteta can finally bring the Premier League back to the club.