David Ornstein: Arsenal have now finalised personal terms with £50m star
Arsenal are likely to make multiple additions to the forward department this summer.
The Gunners have only signed goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, but are expected to announce a couple of deals soon.
Midfield duo Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard are guaranteed to join from Real Sociedad and Brentford respectively.
The Athletic journalist David Ornstein now reports that the Gunners have agreed personal terms with Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
The England international is an option to bolster the right wing for Arsenal. He is also capable of operating from the other flank.
While the Gunners have received the green light from Madueke, they have yet to initiate talks with Chelsea regarding a potential transfer.
The Blues are reportedly looking for at least £50 million to part ways with the 23-year-old.
Madueke interest comes as a surprise
The former PSV Eindhoven man had a decent campaign with the Blues in the Premier League.
He only registered 11 goal contributions from 32 appearances. Out of those, three came in a single game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on the road.
Madueke has yet to find consistency despite being a regular starter on the right wing. Still, the Gunners appear intent on securing his signature.
In our view, manager Mikel Arteta may consider him as a backup for Bukayo Saka rather than a starter on the left wing, where he has barely played in his career.
Madueke has featured only 10 times on the left wing. Six of those appearances have come this season, where he has failed to register a goal or an assist.
Taking this into consideration, we are surprised by the Gunners’ pursuit of Madueke. Arteta probably believes he can get the best out of him, similar to Kai Havertz.
Arsenal’s interest in Madueke leads to questions regarding the future of Ethan Nwaneri. He has yet to extend his contract which expires in June next year.
In fact, Chelsea are exploring a shock move for the Gunners graduate. Allowing Nwaneri to head to Stamford Bridge may not go well with the faithful.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
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