English-Nigerian Noni Madueke granted permission to leave Chelsea’s Club World Cup camp to complete Arsenal move

Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has been officially allowed to exit the club’s FIFA Club World Cup camp in the United States to finalise a transfer to Premier League rivals Arsenal.

The deal, worth £52 million, is now in its final stages, with Madueke set to undergo a medical in London ahead of signing a five-year contract with the Gunners.

Madueke, who has Nigerian heritage, is expected to become Arsenal’s fourth summer signing despite significant backlash from sections of the club’s supporters.

A growing number of fans have voiced frustration on social media using the “#NoToMadueke” hashtag, questioning both the fee and the need for another wide forward when other positions — particularly striker — appear more urgent.

Nonetheless, Arsenal remain committed to the move. According to transfer insider David Ornstein, Chelsea have granted Madueke permission to leave their pre-season base and return to the UK to complete the deal.

“23yo will not train with #CFC & flies to UK today after full agreement reached on £52m deal,” Ornstein reported.

Since arriving at Stamford Bridge from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, Madueke has registered 20 goals in 92 appearances.

While his development at Chelsea has been uneven, Mikel Arteta appears convinced he can refine the winger’s raw potential.

With Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri already in Arsenal’s wide attacking options, supporters have expressed concern that the funds might have been better used to bolster the centre-forward role, especially as talks with Sporting over Viktor Gyökeres have reportedly stalled over price.

Madueke’s arrival may not be universally welcomed, but Arsenal’s hierarchy seem confident the 23-year-old can become a valuable long-term asset under Arteta’s guidance.