Chelsea forward Noni Madueke is reported to have reached an agreement on personal terms with rival club Arsenal. This development comes after Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca reportedly issued a stern warning about the player`s future.
The 23-year-old Madueke has become a transfer target for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, having spent two and a half years at Chelsea`s Stamford Bridge.
Sources indicate Madueke and Arsenal have finalized personal terms for a potentially lucrative contract.
However, Arsenal are yet to commence negotiations with Chelsea regarding a transfer fee. This is despite Chelsea having already secured a potential replacement by signing Jamie Gittens.
Arteta admires Madueke`s versatility, as the player can operate effectively on both wings.
The Arsenal manager is keen to sign a player who can provide cover for Bukayo Saka, who missed significant time due to injury last season.
Additionally, Madueke could also be an option for the left side of the attack.
Relations between Arsenal and Chelsea are considered positive following Arsenal`s prior £5 million acquisition of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga this summer.
Madueke, who has seven caps for England, originally joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 in a £28.5 million transfer.
Since his arrival, he has scored 20 goals in 91 appearances for the club.
Madueke made a substitute appearance for Chelsea in their Club World Cup quarter-final match against Palmeiras last night, a game they won 2-1, and hit the post during his time on the pitch.
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Speaking after the match, manager Enzo Maresca hinted that he believes Madueke and his representatives might be pushing for a transfer.
Maresca stated: “Noni has been very important for us this season. He was important again today.
“But my message to the players and the club is that I only want players who are happy to be here with us.
“Those who aren`t happy are free to leave. This applies not just to Noni, but to all our players.
“However, Noni has been very good throughout the season and was very good tonight.”
