Arsenal have now agreed to sign 23yo star for £52m, medical being scheduled - report
Arsenal have agreed on a £52 million deal to sign Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
David Ornstein reports that both teams are now working towards a full agreement. A medical is being planned for the Englishman.
Madueke has already given his approval to the move, having agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with the London club.
The 23-year-old made it clear he preferred Arsenal over other interested teams.
He is still in the United States with Chelsea, who are preparing for Sunday’s Club World Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite being with the Blues squad, negotiations between the two English sides have progressed well behind the scenes.
Madueke could ease Saka’s workload on the right
Last season, Madueke played 46 matches across all competitions for Chelsea, including 32 appearances in the Premier League.
He has also featured in five matches in this summer’s Club World Cup in the United States, where Chelsea are chasing silverware.
Since his arrival in January 2023, 88 percent of his league minutes have been spent on the right wing, where he usually operates.
This is the same position Bukayo Saka has held down for Arsenal over the last three campaigns, often without much rest.
Saka was heavily relied upon, starting 108 out of a possible 114 league matches from 2021 to 2024.
He missed three months last season due to a hamstring problem, raising concerns about overuse and fatigue.
Madueke plays in a similar style, cutting in from the right and shooting with his stronger left foot, much like Saka does.
However, Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca used him differently during the end of last season, placing him on the opposite wing.
Madueke started on the left in four of Chelsea’s last five league matches, including the Conference League final.
He also impressed while playing on the left for England in a friendly win against Andorra in June, setting up Harry Kane’s winner.
The former PSV man’s versatility on both wings makes him an attractive option for Arteta, who needs depth in the wide areas.
If the deal is completed, Madueke’s arrival could give Arsenal more balance and help reduce Saka’s workload in the coming season.
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