Chelsea to demand £50m for Arsenal target Noni Madueke | OneFootball

Chelsea have set a £50 million asking price for winger Noni Madueke, who is drawing interest from capital rivals Arsenal, according to the Independent.

Arsenal’s interest in Madueke has grown over the past couple of weeks, with Chelsea initially insistent that the England international is not for sale.

But there was always a feeling that the Blues would consider moving him on if the right deal came along.

They have now named their price, but Arsenal are hesitant about matching Chelsea’s asking price.

Talks between the London rivals have begun, but it may not amount to anything unless Chelsea reduce their demands. Given that they’re not under any pressure to sell, that’s not happening.

The 23-year-old winger is coming off a decent campaign with the Blues.

He racked up 11 goals and five assists in 43 games across all competitions, helping Enzo Maresca’s side qualify for the Champions League and cap off the season with the Europa Conference League title.

His performances earned him a call-up to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad last time out.

He laid on Harry Kane’s winner against Andorra in the last international camp, leading Tuchel to lavish praise on him as the most ‘dangerous’ player during the game.

Surprisingly, Madueke is now on Arteta’s radar. But not enough to match Chelsea’s exorbitant demands. At least for now.

Madueke is comfortable playing on either wing. His versatility has come in handy for Maresca many times, but all his goal contributions came from the right flank.

Chelsea are open to letting a few players leave this summer, but Madueke isn’t on the chopping block.

Maresca was also quick to shut down rumours linking the England international with a move away, but there’s a decent chance Arsenal could return to the negotiating table later in the summer.

Madueke has shown flashes of his talent, but he’s not quite there yet. He has all the tools to become a world-beater but has struggled to put them together since joining Chelsea.

Next season could be make or break for the Englishman. With Estevao Willian coming in, Madueke is running out of time to establish himself in Maresca’s long-term plans.