Amid all the talk of either Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres joining Arsenal this summer, the north London club do have other positions to target. A new striker is undoubtedly the top priority for the club in the transfer market and that’s no surprise given they have lacked that clinical finisher in recent seasons to shoot the Gunners to title glory.
Striker is not the only role in the final third Arsenal need to address as they would benefit from upgrading their options on the left flank. Having an outstanding player in Bukayo Saka on the right wing, Arsenal could form a devastating front three if they can sign someone of a similar level to play on the left.
Gabriel Martinelli has put in some big performances but has been unable to supply the consistency required week in, week out as his levels have fluctuated. Then there is Leandro Trossard who has proved to be a very shrewd signing and chipped in with some hugely important goals but he is set to turn 31 in December at a time when Arsenal are building for the future.
In the Gunners’ hunt for a new winger, The Telegraph report that Chelsea attacker Noni Madueke is on Arsenal’s radar this summer. However, the north London club have not approached Chelsea or spoken to them about their player, instead just looking at his current situation at Stamford Bridge amid the possibility of a summer exit.
Since joining Chelsea from PSV in January 2023, the former Tottenham academy player has contributed 20 goals and nine assists in 88 appearances for the Blues. Last season, the 23-year-old played 42 games in all competitions and operated from the right flank with a handful of outings coming on the opposite side of the pitch.
Having played the vast majority of his football from the right, Madueke could provide cover for Saka but also be an option from the left for Arsenal. His appearances in that role may be limited compared to the right but he did recently play as a left-winger for England in their 1-0 win away at Andorra.
Madueke did have an impact on the game after notably teeing up Harry Kane’s winner. As he is very young still in terms of his football career, Mikel Arteta could take up him another level or two if Arsenal are to make a move for him and entice him across the capital.
In an interview with football.london in March, Saul Isaksson-Hurst, the player’s personal football coach, gave an insight into working with the Chelsea man and stated that he is a “mentality monster” due to the hard work he continues to put in when it comes to trying to improve his game. Isaksson-Hurst also stressed that Madueke is “further along in his journey” than Mohamed Salah was at the same age.
“We have spoken about Salah,” Isaksson-Hurst explained. “The guy at the moment is the level in world football. It’s important to not only give players like this respect but to also try and identify why they’re so successful. Maintaining his stats consistently is world-class.
“You have to recognise, though, Noni is further along on his journey than Salah was at the same age. Saying that, Noni knows that if he continues to work hard then he could and should be recognised as one of the world’s best down the line.”
Before Arsenal look at signing a new winger, Andrea Berta first has to complete the signing of a striker. Attention can then turn to wide options, whether it be Madueke or another player to help Arsenal in their quest to win trophies.
