Arsenal fans were able to catch a glimpse of transfer target Noni Madueke during Chelsea’s Club World Cup semi-final clash.
Many were shocked by the news that Madueke had agreed personal terms with Arsenal.
The winger had a bright season at Chelsea, but not one that was by any means mindblowing, scoring seven Premier League goals in 2024/25.
Arsenal admire Madueke and consider the 23-year-old to be an option to compete for game time on both the left and right side, but Chelsea’s asking price makes things difficult.
Chelsea want £50m for Madueke, a fee that would put the forward into the top ten of Arsenal’s most expensive signings ever.
Noni Madueke’s media ratings from Chelsea vs Fluminense
The player’s potential is huge, but right now, there’s improvement needed, as was seen during the Blues’ Club World Cup win over Fluminense.
Enzo Maresca had commented on Madueke’s transfer situation in the build-up to the game, making his decision to bench the England international understandable.
The Arsenal target was introduced in the 68th minute of play, collecting an array of feedback from media outlets.
| Noni Madueke vs Fluminense |
| 0 shots |
| 0 successful dribbles |
| 13 touches |
| 1 key pass |
| 1 duel win |
| 4x possession lost |
| 1x dribbled past |
FotMob handed Madueke a mediocre 6.2 match rating, as GOAL also noted that the winger ‘didn’t make much of an impact’.
Express looked for positives from the wide player’s cameo, relaying that Madueke ‘got himself involved in Chelsea’s attacking play.’
The overriding narrative, however, was that during his 22 minutes on the pitch, the Londoner left a lot to be desired.
‘Was able to stretch his legs against a tired defence but didn’t create an awful lot,’ the Standard reported, a view that was echoed by Football London.
‘So much off-the-field talk about him in recent days. Didn’t have the chance to get too involved.’
Chelsea fans send warning to Arsenal about Madueke
Media outlets watching on weren’t blown away by Madueke, who failed to complete either of the two dribbles he attempted.
The winger’s performance wouldn’t have necessarily concerned Arsenal, who have admired the player for some time, but some fans have been warned.
On social media, Chelsea supporters reacted to Madueke’s display, weighing in on the 23-year-old’s cameo.
“Madueke comes on and we stop playing good football,” one disappointed fan said.
Another insisted that Maresca deserves more credit for earning Chelsea a Champions League place because of Madueke and his teammate, Nicolas Jackson.
“Maresca deserves a statue for getting top 4 with Jackson and Madueke starting, they’re horrible.”
“Even Nkunku has been better than Madueke this tournament. Sell asap please.”
Other fans took aim at the lack of effort the winger was showing on the pitch, a trait that Arteta certainly would not tolerate.
“Is it me or Noni Madueke doesn’t want to play anymore, because his reactions and enthusiasm towards this game against Fluminense is very poor and shows lack of sportsmanship.”
“Stinky attitude as well just walking around how about some effort.”
It remains to be seen how Arsenal decide to pursue Madueke, with clarity set to be provided after the Club World Cup final.
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