Noni Madueke to Arsenal transfer twist as Chelsea send Mikel Arteta the perfect £48m message

Chelsea are back in action next week as they look to get their hands on another piece of silverware. The Blues will lock horns with Fluminense at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Tuesday evening for the semi-final of the Club World Cup.

While Enzo Maresca puts his players through their paces ahead of another tough clash, he’ll be hoping his superiors are working hard to strengthen his squad. Chelsea enjoyed a brilliant start to the summer transfer window, but they still need to sign a new goalkeeper and some cover for Marc Cucurella.

There’s a lot of work to be done, but the west Londoners have plenty of time to welcome a few more new faces to Stamford Bridge. So, with that being said, football.london has rounded up the latest Chelsea news and gossip.

Madueke agrees personal terms with Arsenal

According to The Athletic, Noni Madueke has ‘agreed personal terms’ with Arsenal, who are now considering whether to approach Chelsea. The 23-year-old winger has recently emerged as a target for the Gunners as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his frontline.

The report claims Arsenal and the Blues have a strong relationship, despite their rivalry, but no club-to-club talks have taken place yet. It’s said that Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers are also under consideration at the Emirates Stadium.

football.london says: “As much as Noni Madueke struggled towards the end of last season, it would be a shame to see him leave Chelsea. That said, it won’t be the end of the world if he goes, with Pedro Neto enjoying a great vein of form and Estevao Willian set to join the squad soon.”

Chelsea eye Arsenal wonderkid

According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are interested in Ethan Nwaneri, who has recently entered the final year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium. The report claims the Blues are monitoring the 18-year-old midfielder’s situation in the event that he doesn’t pen an extension with Arsenal.

It’s said that the Gunners have already opened talks with Nwaneri over a new deal. Romano claims the teenager was guaranteed game time, and a potential move to Stamford Bridge would be separate from Noni Madueke, who has recently agreed personal terms with Arsenal.

football.london says: “This is the perfect response from Chelsea. In fact, if Arsenal push to sign Noni Madueke, the Blues should throw the kitchen sink at a potential deal for Ethan Nwaneri. He’d be a class addition for the Blues this summer! Transfermarkt currently price the Arsenal teenager at £47.5m… Could a swap deal be on the cards?”

Chelsea set Nkunku price tag

According to the Mirror, Manchester United have been quoted £35m to sign Christopher Nkunku this summer. The report claims that the Red Devils have shortlisted the 27-year-old forward as a target, with Ruben Amorim eager to beef up his attacking options.

It’s said that Chelsea are prepared to take a hit on Nkunku, who cost them £52m a couple of years ago. The Mirror reckons that Ollie Watkins is also on United’s radar, but Aston Villa are unlikely to let their talisman leave without a fight.

football.london says: “That seems like a far price tag. Despite having disappointed for much of last season, Christopher Nkunku has actually impressed at the Club World Cup this summer. Perhaps he’s playing for a move.”