Arteta in ‘private’ talks with top Arsenal transfer target

Mikel Arteta has reportedly initiated “private” talks with Noni Madueke as Arsenal intensify their pursuit of the Chelsea winger.

The England international could be set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer, following the arrivals of Joao Pedro, Estevao Willian and Jamie Gittens, with Enzo Maresca’s side open to a surprise sale.

Madueke has established himself as one of Chelsea’s most important players this season, registering 16 goal contributions in 44 appearances, but the Blues are willing to offload him on a permanent deal ahead of the 2025-26 campaign if they receive a suitable offer.

Chelsea are demanding a fee of €58 million (£50m) to sanction a sale this summer, as per The Guardian’s Ed Aarons, and Arsenal are among the clubs keeping close tabs on Madueke’s situation in west London.

The Gunners are firmly in the market for a new winger, as they look to bolster the options available to Arteta next term, and they have earmarked Madueke as a possible alternative to Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo.

Noni Madueke to join Arsenal?

Madueke could be open to joining Arsenal this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, and the Gunners have reportedly already submitted an initial contract offer to the 23-year-old.

Arteta is a keen admirer of Madueke and the Arsenal boss has initiated “private” contact with the England winger, as per Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips, in a bid to convince him to move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Madueke has been sounded out as a key target by Arsenal, amid their pursuit of a new winger, with the Englishman seen as a player who can provide cover on both flanks.

The ex-Tottenham Hotspur academy star is naturally a right winger, however he has featured prominently on the left for both Chelsea and England over the past few months.

Chelsea are willing to keep Madueke if a suitable bid doesn’t arrive, but he is no longer considered ‘untouchable’ by the hierarchy at Stamford Bridge.