Noni Madueke, the 23-year-old winger, is set to join Arsenal after Chelsea released him to pursue a move. We expect the transfer to be completed in the coming days. We anticipate a confirmation from the North London side in the next few hours. This move follows a disappointing campaign for the Blues. Madueke never really got going on the left wing.
Madueke’s path to Arsenal starts a few months after he made the switch to Chelsea. That decision has already cost the club £29 million in January 2023 alone. Chelsea reportedly ready to listen to offers for Madueke despite having five years remaining on contract. This all comes at a time when Madueke has made clear his intentions to pursue a fresh start.
Transfer Dynamics
Chelsea’s valuations sky high on Madueke around £69 million (€80 million). This new valuation is quite an increase on Arsenal’s first offer of £48 million plus a further £4 million in add-ons. The negotiation reflects the competitive nature of the transfer market and the potential value of players who are still developing their careers.
Chelsea’s coach, Enzo Maresca, said the move was one decided first and foremost by Madueke.
“Noni decided to leave. Nobody told Noni he had to leave. If he is happy, we are happy.” – Enzo Maresca, Chelsea Boss
Even selling those players to competitors up the pyramid won’t be easy, Maresca conceded, though he noted:
“If players want to leave, then it is difficult for the club and the manager.”
Chelsea’s willingness to part with Madueke indicates a shift in their strategy as they look to strengthen their squad while accommodating player aspirations.
Recent Performance and Position
Though Madueke predominantly featured as a right winger, his ball progression and dribbling struggled back on the left side in a more inverted role. Over that same period for club and country, in his last nine appearances, he started eight of them on the left wing. Like Santos, he failed to produce a goal or assist in his seven starts for Chelsea. He further made his mark by assisting England’s winner against Andorra, even while playing on the opposite flank.
Madueke is very comfortable on the left wing. Plus, when called upon, he plays a crucial supporting role to Arsenal’s deadly right winger, Bukayo Saka. His profile and ability are an ideal fit alongside Saka’s excellence on the field. This alignment indicates that Arsenal would benefit greatly by Madueke’s versatility.
Future Prospects at Arsenal
The impending transfer to Arsenal would be a major step for Madueke as he looks to help turn around his career and fortunes. He was said to be undergoing a medical in the coming hours and having a medical is the usual step before any transfer is completed. This was an interesting move as it opens up the playing time for him significantly. Moreover, it positions him with a team that is clearly aiming to make noise on both the domestic and European stages.
As Arsenal look forward to welcoming Madueke, supporters will be looking forward to seeing how he fits into Mikel Arteta’s setup. His ability to add depth and competition to the wing should prove invaluable. The Gunners have their sights set on challenging for silverware this season.
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