Arsenal analysis: Where will Noni Madueke fit into Mikel Arteta’s plans?
Arsenal are keen to wrap up a deal to sign Chelsea and England star Noni Madueke.
While an agreement is yet to be reached between the two clubs, the 23-year-old has reportedly agreed to a five-year deal at the Emirates Stadium, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners have already added midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga to their ranks this summer, and are hopeful for more reinforcements.
Alongside Madueke, the North Londoners are also working on deals for Eberechi Eze and Victor Gyokeres.
With that in mind, Transfer News Blitz’s Edward Moss has looked at where the current Blues winger could fit into Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Current options
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli celebrate a goal against Real Madrid.
Despite having, at times, a thin squad last term, Arsenal are fairly well-equipped out wide.
Bukayo Saka is the obvious choice on the right, having been a mainstay for the Gunners since his breakthrough in 2019.
Fellow Hale End graduate Ethan Nwaneri was utilised as the Englishman’s understudy last season, having made 17 of his 37 appearances on the right flank.
Meanwhile, the left is evenly contested by Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, who was often deployed as a striker last season.
Not to forget Reiss Nelson too, who joined Fulham on loan last August.
The 25-year-old was ruled out for the season after suffering a hamstring injury in December, having only made 13 appearances in all competitions for Marco Silva’s side.
Noni Madueke’s best season yet
Noni Madueke on the ball for Chelsea.
Madueke arrived in West London from Dutch side PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 but has had an inconsistent time at Stamford Bridge.
However, the England international has improved season-on-season and certainly enjoyed his best campaign last term.
In fact, the winger actually scored his first Premier League goal against the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium, as the Blues fell to a 3-1 defeat.
Last season, Madueke bagged 11 goals and five assists in all competitions and lifted the UEFA Conference League with the West Londoners.
With quick, tricky feet, the London-born forward is deadly from the edge of the box and cutting inside from the right.
Clinical going forward, Madueke is also equally as good at tracking back, having made 84 recoveries and won 106 duels in the Premier League last season.
What role could Noni Madueke have at Arsenal?
Bukayo Saka and Noni Madueke with England.
While able to play on both flanks, Madueke is primarily a right winger.
However, it is nearly impossible to see the current Chelsea man preferred over ‘starboy’ Saka.
It is equally unlikely that Madueke would be happy to play second fiddle, nor that Arsenal would be willing to pay big money for a backup.
The Englishman would likely be deployed down the left if signed, but would he elevate the Gunners’ current options?
Martinelli and Trossard both had higher goal involvements than Madueke last term and would put up hard competition for a starting spot.
Whereas, another player linked with a move to N5, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, would instantly raise the level of Arsenal’s front three.
Of course, it is unknown whether the Brazilian would be open to a move to the Emirates Stadium and would cost a significant amount more.
That being said, Madueke would still be a good signing for Arsenal, and at just 23, still has plenty of time to develop and improve.
Arsenal clearly mean business this summer as Arteta & Co. look to go one step further after three successive second-place finishes in the Premier League.
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