Noni Madueke is set to become the latest player to move directly between Chelsea and Arsenal.
Despite being London rivals, the two clubs have shown a willingness to conduct business over the years. In the Premier League era alone, nine senior players have swapped Stamford Bridge for the Emirates Stadium.
William Gallas was first to cross this particular divide 19 years ago and the trend has continued this summer with Kepa Arrizabalaga joining the Gunners in a £5m move to primarily act as an understudy to goalkeeper David Raya.
The Spaniard is set to be joined in N5 by Madueke after Arsenal struck an agreement with the Blues to sign the England international in a deal that could be worth up to £52m if certain add-ons are met.
It is understood that Mikel Arteta is keen to have Madueke – as well as Viktor Gyokeres and Cristhian Mosquera – signed up before the club jet off to Asia this weekend for their pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Singapore.
Amid reports that the 23-year-old has already completed a medical, all that remains is the official announcement, followed by confirmation of something of even greater importance – the shirt number.
Throughout his senior career, Madueke has worn a variety of squad numbers. Starting out at PSV Eindhoven, in the 2020/21 campaign he wore No23 and stuck with that for two seasons before upgrading to No10 permanently.
Though the change was short-lived as he moved to Chelsea halfway through the 2022/23 season and upon joining the Blues he was given No31 before switching to No11 ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
Meanwhile for the England national team, Madueke has worn No23 and No19.
Interestingly, all but one of the shirt numbers mentioned are currently available at Arsenal. That is iconic No10 which has been vacant since Emile Smith Rowe departed for Fulham last summer.
Other vacant senior shirt numbers at the Emirates right now are No3, No5, No14 – made iconic by club legend Thierry Henry – No18, No20, No25, No26, No27, No28 and No30 – last worn by loanee Raheem Sterling.
