Noni Madueke has departed from Chelsea ahead of a £50 million ($67.5 million) transfer to Arsenal, according to sources reported by ESPN.
The 23-year-old winger is expected to undergo a medical examination on Saturday before finalizing his switch to the North London club, the sources added.
Madueke recently participated in the Club World Cup with Chelsea, starting in two matches, including their final against Paris Saint-Germain. He remained on the bench during their semi-final win over Fluminense.
During a press conference on Friday, Chelsea’s manager Enzo Maresca confirmed the deal, explaining that the club accepted the transfer after Madueke expressed his desire to join Arsenal.
“When a player wants to move, it can be challenging for the club and management,” Maresca noted. “Noni chose to leave, and it was a decision made freely by him.”
“If he’s content with his choice, then we are too.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has long been a fan of the England international, having shown interest in signing him last summer. Although Madueke’s preferred position is on the right wing, where Bukayo Saka currently plays, Arteta believes he can grow into an outstanding left winger.
Having joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in 2023, Madueke appeared in 46 matches last season, scoring 11 goals and providing five assists, and also played a key role in their Conference League final victory over Real Betis.
This will mark Arsenal’s second acquisition from Chelsea this summer, following the signing of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
This report uses information from Mark Ogden on ESPN.
The move of Noni Madueke to Arsenal is significant for fans as it exemplifies the shifting dynamics between rival clubs in the Premier League. It also highlights Arsenal’s ambition to enhance their squad, which could lead to more intense competition and excitement in the league.
