England international Noni Madueke is close to joining Arsenal from Chelsea.Â
The switch to the Emirates Stadium could have a massive impact on his international career ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, Noni Madueke has agreed to join Arsenal on a five-year deal. Arsenal will reportedly pay Chelsea over £50 million, including add-ons, for the winger.
The Blues bought him from PSV Eindhoven for £29 million in January 2023. He still has five years left on his Chelsea contract.
Arsenal Switch Can Help Nono Madueke Secure England Spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Arsenal have established themselves as regular title contenders under Mikel Arteta, but have not managed to take the final step. This summer, they are further reinforcing their squad to get themselves over the line.
They initially signed Martin Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga, earning praise for their picks. However, Christian Norgaard’s transfer from Brentford has sent fans into a bit of a meltdown. Noni Madueke’s imminent arrival has also been met with mixed reactions, but we believe this could be a fruitful partnership for both parties.
While Arsenal will get a versatile forward, Madueke could use the upcoming season to nail his England audition for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
🚨💣 EXCLUSIVE: Noni Madueke to Arsenal, here we go! Fee agreed in excess of £50m with add-ons included, green light from Chelsea.
Madueke already agreed five year deal at Arsenal days ago and he’s now set to complete the move.
The winger leaves #CFC to join #AFC. pic.twitter.com/Cjeqnlswle
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 10, 2025
Here are some of the key factors that could help Madueke’s World Cup bid:
A System to Favour Noni Madueke
Since taking over, Mikel Arteta has tried his best to make the Arsenal attack as fluid as possible. Noni Madueke’s arrival adds another dimension to their attack.
Madueke is quick, contributes to the press, and is an excellent dribbler. Although he is naturally a right-winger, he ended the season playing on the left. Enzo Maresca deployed him on the opposite flank during the run-in, and he showed plenty of promise.
More Visibility Than Chelsea
Last season, Chelsea began the Premier League campaign with 41 players, the most in the Premier League. Arsenal, meanwhile, had the joint-leanest roster, featuring just 24 players.
Noni Madueke models his game on these players 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/rdQlPwtBCw
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) July 10, 2025
Due to severe competition for places, Noni Madueke did not always get the minutes he had expected. Securing regular football will not be easy at Arsenal either. But if he can win Mikel Arteta over, he can expect to get consistent minutes at the Emirates Stadium.
Exposure has always been important for England selection, and he certainly stands a chance to get more of it at Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta’s Youth Development Record
Mikel Arteta has yet to guide Arsenal to major accolades, but he has been near-flawless when it comes to getting the best of young players.
The Spaniard has turned Bukayo Saka into a world-class forward. He has helped Gabriel Martinelli become a prominent goal threat. And last season, he guided Ethan Nwaneri into prominence. Under his guidance, the 18-year-old played 28 Premier League matches, scoring 4 times. Scoring against Brighton in January, Nwaneri set a unique Arsenal record.
🚨 Arsenal are believed to be confident that Ethan Nwaneri will sign a new contract despite interest in the 18-year-old from Chelsea and clubs in Germany.
(Source: Guardian) pic.twitter.com/q1zo2JcaLr
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) July 11, 2025
Arteta seemingly believes Noni Madueke will help Arsenal achieve their goals. So, he will naturally do all he can to elevate Madueke’s game.
Madueke has yet to master the art of composure, especially under pressure. If Arteta can help him improve that side of his game, he could become an integral part of Thomas Tuchel’s England.