Fabrizio Romano says £50m winger is now "open" to joining Arsenal this summer
Chelsea winger Noni Madueke is open to joining Arsenal this summer, according to reputed journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners are likely to make multiple additions to their frontline ahead of next season.
A marquee striker is the priority for the club, but they are also keen on bolstering other attacking roles.
Earlier this week, Romano claimed that talks are ongoing between Arsenal and Madueke’s camp regarding a potential deal.
The reputed journalist opined that the winger ‘could be open’ to a possible switch.
Romano has now revealed that Madueke is ‘open’ to the transfer, but the Gunners are yet to approach Chelsea with a formal bid.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Madueke comes as a surprise
The Gunners are expected to bolster the centre-forward department in the near future.
An elite left winger could be targeted too, considering the inconsistency of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard last season.
Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has emerged as the prime target, and the club have already held ‘preliminary talks‘ with his entourage.
Arsenal are closely monitoring the Brazilian’s situation and don’t plan to accelerate talks until August.
The Gunners could seek a discount on the £77m fee that Los Blancos are looking for their prized asset.
A versatile playmaker is another priority for the club. They hold a serious interest in signing Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
In our view, the club’s pursuit of Madueke comes as a surprise. He is a specialist right winger and has hardly played on the left.
Madueke managed just seven goals and four assists from 32 league games last campaign.
Manager Mikel Arteta may want a quality backup for Bukayo Saka, but Madueke could be an expensive recruit as things stand.
The Blues value him at £50m at the moment, and it remains to be seen whether Arsenal can secure a discount on the price.
If Arsenal were to make a move, it could raise questions about the future of Ethan Nwaneri whose contract expires next summer.
The club are yet to convince him regarding a renewal. Nwaneri largely played as a backup to Saka during the course of the last campaign.
If Rodrygo, Eze and Madueke were to be signed, Nwaneri could genuinely contemplate an exit before the transfer deadline on September 1.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
The post Fabrizio Romano says £50m winger is now "open" to joining Arsenal this summer first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.