By Emeka Blast 
Arsenal Secure Noni Madueke Signing from Chelsea in £52m Agreement
Arsenal have completed the signing of England international winger Noni Madueke from rivals Chelsea in a deal worth up to £52 million, the club announced on Friday, July 18, 2025. The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners, becoming their fourth signing of the summer transfer window after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and Brentford’s Christian Norgaard. The transfer includes an initial fee of £48.5 million, with an additional £3.5 million in performance-related add-ons.
Madueke, who joined Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for £29 million, made 92 appearances for the Blues, scoring 20 goals and providing nine assists. His move to Arsenal follows Chelsea’s need to balance their books after heavy summer spending, with new signings like Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, and Estêvão Willian crowding their attacking options. Madueke left Chelsea’s Club World Cup camp in the USA last week to finalize the transfer, missing their 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, praised Madueke’s “exciting and powerful” style, noting his ability to provide cover for star winger Bukayo Saka on the right and compete with Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on the left. “Noni’s performances in the Premier League and his international experience at just 23 make him a fantastic addition,” Arteta told Arsenal’s website. Madueke’s direct dribbling, with 33% of his Premier League carries last season classified as progressive, and his two-footed versatility make him a dynamic fit for Arsenal’s attack, which struggled with injuries last season.
However, the transfer has sparked controversy among Arsenal fans, with the hashtag #NoToMadueke trending on X and a petition against the deal garnering over 5,000 signatures. Many supporters, frustrated by Arsenal’s pattern of signing Chelsea players like David Luiz, Willian, and Raheem Sterling, question the £52 million fee for a player perceived as a backup for Saka. Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson expressed shock, stating, “It’s a lot of money for a player who’s not a prolific goalscorer. Saka’s the star—why spend £52m on his backup?”
Madueke, who debuted for England in August 2024 and assisted Harry Kane’s winner against Andorra, thanked Chelsea fans and staff in an emotional Instagram post: “I leave with only love and admiration. Thank you for the love, the praise, and the criticism.” He expressed excitement about joining Arsenal, saying, “Humbled and blessed to be here. I can’t wait to repay the faith shown in me.”
