Noni Madueke to Arsenal transfer could hand Chelsea green light to hijack £77m dream deal

Chelsea could use a Noni Madueke transfer to Arsenal to their benefit as they intensify interest in Real Madrid’s Rodrygo.

The Blues signed Madueke from PSV Eindhoven in 2023 for a deal worth £30.7m. His time at Stamford Bridgehas been a slow burn, though moments of magic, including a hat-trick against Wolves last season, have shown his potential.

With Enzo Maresca having already brought in Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, and with Chelsea continually linked with further attacking reinforcements, Madueke’s place in the squad looks increasingly uncertain. The winger has been used sparingly in the Club World Cup.

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Madueke has been linked with a move away, with Arsenal emerging as frontrunners for his signature. The 23-year-old is reportedly open to the switch, and Maresca might be wise to consider it too, especially if the funds could help secure a more established target.

Both Chelsea and Arsenal are said to be interested in Real Madrid winger Rodrygo. Since Xabi Alonso’s arrival at the Bernabeu Stadium, the Brazilian’s role has been in question. Despite Alonso insisting Rodrygo remains part of his plans, the 24-year-old has played just 23 minutes in the Club World Cup - not exactly a show of faith.

Madrid reportedly won’t block a departure if Rodrygo signals his desire to leave. Arsenal are understood to be holding off on making a formal move until the player himself makes that intention clear.

For Chelsea, stepping up their pursuit now, and ensuring Arsenal don’t beat them to the punch, could hinge on Madueke. A deal between the two London clubs could provide Maresca with the funds needed to land Rodrygo.

While Chelsea aren’t actively pushing to sell Madueke, a bid in the region of £50m could turn heads. Mikel Arteta is reportedly keen to add depth and competition for Bukayo Saka on the right flank, and Madueke fits the profile.

The move also makes financial sense for Arsenal. With Madrid valuing Rodrygo at £77m, Madueke presents a more affordable alternative. If Arsenal were to land the Chelsea winger, it’s likely they'd shift focus away from Rodrygo and onto other positions.

For Chelsea, that would remove a key rival from the race and free up funds to make a decisive move for the Madrid star. Rodrygo would slot naturally into Madueke’s position on the right. With top-level experience and Champions League pedigree, including his dramatic 2022 brace against Manchester City, the Brazilian would bring star quality to Stamford Bridge.

Technically gifted, agile, and adaptable, Rodrygo’s attacking fluidity would suit Maresca’s system. Alongside Cole Palmer, Pedro and Delap, Chelsea could field a dynamic and unpredictable front line.