Chelsea submit enquiry for Arsenal wonderkid in Madueke swap deal attempt

Arsenal have reportedly rejected a proposal from Chelsea to include Max Dowman in a swap deal for Noni Madueke.

Mikel Arteta’s side are in advanced talks to sign the England international this summer and they have already agreed personal terms with the 23-year-old as they look to finalise his arrival before the start of the 2025-26 campaign.

Arsenal are yet to agree a transfer fee with Chelsea, however, and there is currently a gap of just under €12m in the two clubs’ valuation of Madueke, as per The Independent.

The Gunners are hoping to finalise a deal for €46.4m (£40m), while Chelsea believe the ex-PSV winger is worth at least €58m (£50m) as he still has five years remaining on his current contract at Stamford Bridge.

Madueke has scored 11 goals in 45 appearances so far this season, and Arsenal view him as a player capable of providing depth on both attacking flanks.

Meanwhile, Chelsea are open to a sale if their asking price is met, although the Blues recently attempted an ambitious deal by asking for the aforementioned Dowman to be involved in the transfer.

The Arsenal youngster is just 15 years old, but he has trained with Arteta’s first-team squad on a number of occasions and he is regarded as one of the brightest prospects in English football.

However, his situation at the Emirates Stadium is being tracked by both Barcelona and Manchester City, as exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers, while Chelsea are also interested in signing him.

That is according to X account HandofArsenal, who posted on social media: “During preliminary talks for Noni Madueke the West London club floated the idea of involving wonderkid Max Dowman in any potential deal.

“The proposal was immediately rejected as Arsenal see him as their crown jewel. As reported yesterday, the fee is crucial to any deal.”

Chelsea want Ethan Nwaneri

In addition to Dowman, Chelsea are also interested in signing fellow Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.

However, FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal will not sell Nwaneri this summer, with the teenager having already agreed to sign a new five-year contract.

The 18-year-old made 37 first-team appearances last season, scoring nine goals.

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