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Arsenal are close to signing Noni Madueke from Chelsea, though the move is facing resistance from many Gunners fans. The potential transfer comes as Arsenal looks to bolster their squad after a fifth consecutive season without a trophy. The club has already confirmed the signings of Christian Nørgaard and Martín Zubimendi, and is pursuing striker Viktor Gyökeres.
If he joins, Madueke will become Arsenal's fourth signing of the transfer window, marking the fourth consecutive season the Gunners have signed a Chelsea player.
According to reports, Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Madueke for just over £50 million (KSh 8.8 billion). The report adds that the winger had agreed personal terms with the north London side. The England international is with Chelsea at the Club World Cup and was used as a substitute in their 2-0 win over Fluminense in the semi-final. He will likely be involved when the Blues face Paris Saint-Germain in the final on Sunday, July 13. The 23-year-old joined Chelsea in January 2023 and has played 92 times for the Blues, scoring 20 goals.
The winger has played mostly on the right at Chelsea since his move in 2023. With Bukayo Saka the first choice on the flank, Madueke will be the second choice.
Saka has been ever-present for Arsenal when healthy. Last season, he missed three months of action with a hamstring injury.
Madueke has also played on the left. Towards the end of the 2024/25 season, Enzo Maresca started him on the left. Therefore, the former PSV man will likely ease the burden on Saka and provide competition for Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli on the left.
The winger has struggled to produce numbers as a starter at Chelsea. For instance, he registered 11 goals and five assists in 41 appearances. Thousands of Arsenal fans have signed a petition in an attempt to stop their club from purchasing the forward from Chelsea.
One fan set up a petition and called it 'NOTOMADUEKE' petition on the website change.org. It has more than 2,000 signatures.
One fan said on x: "It's really hurting. We can spend 52 million on Noni, but we are throwing a fit over 5-10 million for Gyokeres."
Arsenal will open their season against bitter rivals Manchester United.
