Premier League star 'opening doors' to £50m Arsenal transfer
The Gunners have ramped up their efforts to strengthen their attack this summer on the back of yet another trophyless season with Mikel Arteta at the helm.
Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko have been placed at the top of Arsenal's wishlist at centre-forward, while a host of high-profile names have been identified as potential replacements for Gabriel Martinelli on the left flank.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo, Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams, Newcastle's Anthony Gordon and Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma are among the many left-sided attackers to have linked with moves to the Emirates in recent weeks.
Madueke also finds himself on Arsenal's shortlist of options and Chelsea are said to open to the prospect of the England international making the controversial switch across London should they receive a suitable offer from their bitter rivals.
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Reports last month indicated the Blues – who today snapped up Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund – could be willing to part with Madueke for a fee in the region of £50million.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal remain in close contact with Madueke's entourage and all the signs point towards the 23-year-old attacker being interested in a potential transfer to Arsenal.
However, discussing the situation in a video on his YouTube channel, the Italian transfer expert was keen to stress that this did not necessarily mean Madueke '100 per cent' decided either way regarding a move away from Stamford Bridge.
'I'm told, in recent hours, contacts are taking place again with the camp of Noni Madueke,' Romano said.
'We know Arsenal are focussing on Eberechi Eze, with discussions ongoing. For Noni Madueke, it's a separate topic, it's a different topic.
'But for Noni Madueke, Arsenal remain in contact with his camp and, just to give you my feeling, when people close to the player continue to meet the club it means that – and that's my information – the player could be open to a potential switch to Arsenal.
'It doesn't mean that Madueke wants to leave Chelsea, it doesn't mean that Madueke is done at Chelsea or is leaving Chelsea to go to Arsenal 100 per cent.'
Romano added: 'It just means that Noni Madueke opens doors to a potential move to Arsenal. Then, it depends what Arsenal want to do, what Arsenal can offer and what Arsenal want to offer.
'At the moment, there is no official bid, no concrete negotiations yet, but just these contacts are continuing for Noni Madueke.'
Madueke racked up seven goals and three assists in the Premier League to help Chelsea secure Champions League qualification with a fourth-placed finish last term.
The Barnet-born star has been with Chelsea for two-and-a-half years having joined the club in a £28.5million move from PSV Eindhoven in 2023.
His current contract at Stamford Bridge runs through to June 2030.
In an exclusive interview with Metro, ex-Chelsea defender Frank Sinclair said his former club would be making a 'crazy' decision if the allowed Madueke to up sticks and join their city rivals.
'I think that would be going against the grain of what Chelsea are trying to achieve,' Sinclair said.
'They have been recruiting a young squad and letting them develop for four or five years and Madueke should be a big part of those plans, given how he has grown.
'He's got that recognition from England now as well, and that's brought his confidence on even more.
'Pedro Neto is obviously also on that right side, but given the competitions Chelsea are in next season, you need all these players if you are going to compete and bridge that gap at the top of the table.
'I would be surprised if they let him go. I know Arsenal like to come in for the odd Chelsea player every now and again, but for me, that would just be crazy to let Madueke go, especially to a rival.'
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