Enzo Maresca has insisted Noni Madueke was not forced out of the club with the Chelsea boss expecting the winger to join Arsenal ‘in the next hours’. Arsenal and Chelsea agreed a fee of £52million on Thursday night with Madueke now set to sign a five-year contract with the Gunners.

According to reports, two key factors are behind Chelsea’s decision to offload Noni Madueke as he closes in on a move to rivals Arsenal. The Gunners have been heavily linked with several wingers in recent months as they were always likely to strengthen in this department during this summer’s transfer window.

Arsenal are set to complete the signing of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, with the England international leaving the Blues' Club World Cup squad to finalise the transfer

Cheslea’s 23-year-old England international is on the verge of joining the Gunners in a £50m transfer, but where will he play in Mikel Arteta’s side?

Enzo Maresca confirms Chelsea winger's departure for Arsenal - England international has not started since the Club World Cup group stage

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Chelsea star Noni Madueke has been granted permission to undergo his medical with local rivals Arsenal, with both clubs agreeing on a £52 million deal on Thursday. The 23-year-old had already agreed to a five-year deal with the Gunners before the final transfer was confirmed.

Arsenal are looking for ways to upgrade their forward line in the 2025 summer transfer window after missing out on the Premier League title to Liverpool in the 2024/25 season.

Twomey: The success of Chelsea’s recruitment model depends just as much on their ability to sell profitably as it does on buying intelligently. Every player who is not absolutely integral to the team Maresca is building has a price, and Madueke has never managed to make himself indispensable at Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal have taken the next step in their efforts to sign Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, according to the latest reporting on the developing saga. As Chelsea continue to recruit attacking players, Madueke is at risk of falling down the Stamford Bridge pecking order,