Arsenal haven’t enjoyed a rip-roaring start to the transfer window by any means, but deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga and Christian Norgaard, who is in the process of completing his medical, mark astute business.
Furthermore, Martin Zubimendi is an Arsenal player in all but confirmation, with his metronomic midfield qualities sure to add some more Spanish flair to Mikel Arteta’s side.
But many Gunners fans are still hoping to see some attacking additions packaged into his talented team. A lack of incisiveness in the final third formed the crux of the club’s issues last season – that and a luckless injury record.
Well, despite the slow start, technical director Andrea Berta is beginning to take the Londoners’ forward search up a notch.
Arsenal seeking new forwards
Arsenal’s search for a new striker is ongoing. Berta has compiled a shortlist of four principal options, and we must now wait and see where a breakthrough might occur.
How Arsenal's striker targets compare in 2024/25.
However, number nine isn’t the only area Arteta wants to reinforce. With Gabriel Martinelli attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League following a few seasons that have left something to be desired, sights have been set on an exciting replacement.
According to GIVEMESPORT, Chelsea could be looking to bank £60m for Noni Madueke’s summer sale, with Arsenal gearing up to advance their ongoing talks for the England international.
That has been followed up by journalist Fabrizio Romano, who outlined that personal terms have been agreed with the former PSV Eindhoven star, with club to club talks set to continue.
Madueke, 23, has been an important part of Enzo Maresca’s tenure at Stamford Bridge, and it’s thought that any deal for the versatile winger would not affect the north Londoners’ pursuit of Eberechi Eze.
Why Arsenal want Noni Madueke
Madueke, a one-time Tottenham Hotspur youth, joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for a £29m fee. He’s since gone from strength to strength, with 16 of his 29 goal contributions since arriving coming throughout the 2024/25 campaign.
His potential was recognised from his formative years. Described as a “mentality monster” by personal coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, the English winger was singled out for his pace, potency and determination.
A remarkable blend of noted athleticism and versatility could even see Madueke prove an upgrade on Martinelli. Having been fielded on the left across a number of games for Chelsea last term, he impressed with his ability to take on and beat his man, owing to his electric-paced movements, largely.
Considered to be an ever-improving goalscorer with a myriad of physical weapons at his disposal, Madueke has been likened to Martinelli by data-driven site FBref, and he might even be performing at a higher level than the Brazilian talent.
Goals
0.31
0.31
Assists
0.13
0.16
Shots taken
3.54
2.16
Shot-creating actions
3.50
2.91
Pass completion
77.4%
71.4%
Progressive passes
3.05
2.04
Progressive carries
6.82
4.87
Successful take-ons
1.99
1.30
Ball recoveries
3.72
3.07
Touches (att pen)
8.15
7.15
Martinelli, 24, has faced plenty of criticism for his struggles to kick on in recent years, and when considering that Madueke outperformed him across most metrics last year, it’s clear to see that he’s not so indispensable as he once was.
He’s also been reported to have been considering taking his leave from the Emirates in recent weeks, so it might be worth bringing in a player like Madueke, who would be determined to fight for Arteta’s cause.
Dynamic and deadly on his day, Arteta’s coaching could see Madueke rise to the next level, covering Bukayo Saka on the right and challenging for a starting berth on the left.
On the basis of the evidence, the Gunners might secure a more complete and effective version of Martinelli by getting the deal done.
Eze will love him: £40m PL striker would now "love" to sign for Arsenal
The free-scoring forward would be an excellent signing for Arsenal.
ByJack Salveson HolmesJul 3, 2025
