Madueke's feelings on Arsenal transfer from Chelsea and impact on Eze deal

Arsenal are keen to bolster their creative and attacking options this summer, with moves for both Chelsea winger Noni Madueke and Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze on the cards

Noni Madueke is reportedly open to the idea of joining Arsenal amid news the Gunners have initiated talks with Chelsea over a potential transfer. The 23-year-old winger, who joined the Blues from PSV for £28million in January 2023, has had something of a mixed spell in west London.

At times he has wowed Stamford Bridge supporters, but he has been frustrating in other games in equal measure. While Madueke is believed to be content at Chelsea, he's seemingly open to the prospect of making the switch across the capital should the two clubs reach an agreement this summer.

Arsenal are said to have remained in regular contact with the England player's representatives, and while nothing concrete has come of their interest yet, reports from Europe claim they're considering a formal offer in the coming weeks.

Chelsea are not actively looking to sell Madueke, but could be tempted by an offer in the region of £50m. The recent arrival of Joao Pedro from Brighton, the imminent signing of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, and the impending addition of Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian – signed from Palmeiras last year – have significantly bolstered the club's attacking options.

Given the increased competition for places, a substantial bid for Madueke may prove difficult for Chelsea to turn down – particularly if the player begins to fear limited opportunities for regular game time next season. As a result, Arsenal are keeping a close eye on developments, though their interest in Madueke is not expected to affect their ongoing pursuit of Eberechi Eze.

Mikel Arteta's side have made the Crystal Palace star one of their top transfer targets this summer. However, with significant funds also needed to secure a new centre forward, Arsenal are not in a position to go all-in on a move for Eze just yet.

Palace are reluctant to sell, but they would be powerless to prevent a departure if Eze's £68m release clause is triggered. The clause stipulates that the fee must be paid in three instalments: one-third up front, another third in the summer of 2026, and the final payment in 2027.

There have been suggestions that Arsenal are exploring ways to structure the deal more flexibly, either by extending the payment terms or proposing a player-plus-cash arrangement to reduce the overall cost. However, Palace are holding firm, showing little appetite to deviate from the strict terms of Eze's release clause.

Eze, 27, is believed to be open to the move too. A boyhood Arsenal fan who spent time in the club's academy, the midfielder would bring not only technical quality in the final third but also valuable positional versatility.

He has featured across both flanks, as a No. 10, and in central midfield across his career and is also becoming an increasing goal threat, having scored 15 times for club and country last season.

Madueke offers a similarly dynamic skill set. The London-born ace has operated on both the right and left flanks under Enzo Maresca at Chelsea, recording a career-best 11 goals in all competitions in 2024/25.

With both Madueke and Eze offering versatility, attacking flair, and untapped potential, Arsenal's interest signals a clear intent to refresh and diversify their forward line ahead of the new season.

While financial constraints and negotiating hurdles remain, the Gunners are positioning themselves to strike decisively if the opportunity arises – setting up what could be a pivotal few weeks in shaping Arteta's evolving squad.