It is no longer uncommon for Chelsea players to end up at city rivals Arsenal. In the summer of 2025, Noni Madueke made his way from Stamford Bridge to the Emirates for £50 million. A player Mikel Arteta saw as a real source of turmoil for the opposition’s defence. In his debut season, the right winger was on the pitch for 43 games with 8 goals and 4 assists, in the season opener after the Premier League title, the 24-year-old is benched. For us, this says a lot about the level of players captain Martin Ødegaard has around him on the pitch.
Madueke offers something different: he is left-footed, quick, aggressive in one-on-one situations and comfortable shooting inwards from the right, but with 100 minutes spread over 4 games and 2 on the bench, Arteta is giving a clear signal that Madueke will not make it quite up to matchdays this season.
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According to Caughtoffside’s sources , Atletico Madrid and Juventus are already considering a Madueke signing in January on a loan contract, possibly with an option for a permanent transfer.
A permanent sale seems too early for Arsenal. With contracts expiring in 2030, Arsenal are not under any immediate pressure to cash in.
Madueke is still highly regarded, but with fierce competition for attacking places at the Emirates Stadium, his need for consistent football could become increasingly important over the coming months.
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Anyone still wondering if Arsenal have a squad that can go all the way to the trophy table this season? For us, Madueke’s situation is yet another sign that Mikel Arteta has more luxury problems than problems, when he has to give Martin Ødegaard the selected ten players on matchday.
