Noni Madueke is on the verge of completing a £52 million move from Chelsea to Arsenal.
The Gunners have moved quickly to secure the acquisition of the England international, who they feel can provide cover for Bukayo Saka and compete with Gabriel Martinelli for a place on the left wing.
Madueke is set to undergo his medical at the Sobha Realty Training Ground, after leaving Chelsea’s Club World Cup camp late last week.
The 23-year-old is expected to become Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, with an announcement expected in the coming days.
Despite fans’ scepticism about the deal, Arsenal feel they’ve secured a top talent in Madueke, whose output could explode in a more settled environment.
The former PSV Eindhoven star left the United States on Friday, flying back to London to finalise his deal at Arsenal.
Due at Sobha Realty on Monday for his medical, the maverick winger was spotted in a surprise location on Sunday evening, whilst his former club Chelsea lifted the Club World Cup.
The Blues’ 3-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain in New Jersey coincided with Madueke enjoying himself at Wireless Festival in Finsbury Park, London, near the Emirates Stadium.
A fan filmed the wide forward in the crowd at the festival, alongside ex-Chelsea teammate Jadon Sancho.
Spending his leisure time enjoying himself with friends, this partying hasn’t impacted Madueke’s ability to pass his medical the following day.
According to HandofArsenal, the Englishman has successfully completed his Arsenal medical examination, with the deal now expected to be announced on Tuesday.
Having played at the Club World Cup and for England over the summer, Madueke may now be granted a period of holiday by Mikel Arteta before he joins up with the squad for pre-season training.
This will give him ample opportunity to enjoy more occasions like Wireless Festival on Sunday.
Some fans will undoubtedly find a way to criticise the player for attending a concert just hours before his medical at Arsenal, but he’s ultimately free to do what he likes when he’s not at work and has no obligation to be constantly training when his holiday period is essentially just starting.
Having made over 50 appearances for club and country in the 2024/25 season, which spanned almost 12 months, the Gunners will have to carefully manage his integration into the side.
They need to ensure he doesn’t burn out and is given the requisite rest he needs before playing for the Gunners.
