Noni Madueke exit would derail Arsenal plan as Juventus, Atletico circle

Noni Madueke could find himself at the centre of January transfer speculation, with Juventus and Atletico Madrid reportedly preparing interest in the Arsenal winger, but his departure would currently go against the club’s plans for the season.

Madueke’s reduced role has raised questions over his future at the Emirates, particularly with the January transfer window approaching. However, Arsenal are not expected to actively consider letting the England international leave, with Mikel Arteta still viewing him as an important option in a demanding campaign.

The 24-year-old has barely featured in the Premier League this season, managing just 23 minutes across substitute appearances against Coventry and Chelsea. His opportunities have become increasingly limited following Bukayo Saka’s return to full fitness, while Madueke’s only start came in the Carabao Cup against Ipswich.

That lack of regular football has inevitably prompted speculation over whether the winger could seek a move elsewhere. Juventus and Atletico Madrid are understood to be monitoring the situation and could make approaches if his circumstances fail to improve.

Arteta still counting on Madueke

Despite the growing interest, sources close to Arsenal indicate that a Madueke departure is not currently part of the club’s plans.

Arteta remains keen to retain the winger as an alternative to Saka and other attacking options. The Arsenal boss believes Madueke still has the quality to make a significant contribution during a season in which the club are competing across multiple fronts.

Arteta is believed to remain keen to have Madueke available as an alternative to Saka and other players in his front line, and believes his ability can still have an important role to play across a season in which Arsenal are competing on multiple fronts.

Arsenal invested heavily in Madueke when they signed him from Chelsea in July 2025 for an initial £48.5 million. The deal could eventually rise to around £52m with add-ons, while the winger committed his future to the club until 2030.

Arteta played a significant role in persuading Madueke to move to north London, selling him the vision he had for his development from their first conversation.

From key Saka cover to fighting for minutes

The manager subsequently challenged Madueke to assume greater responsibility, while his direct approach became an important component of Arsenal’s attacking play.

That influence was particularly evident last season. With Saka unavailable at various points, Madueke became Arsenal’s principal alternative on the right flank and made a significant contribution as the Gunners won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final.

His situation has changed this season, however. Saka remains Arsenal’s established first-choice option on the right, while the emergence of Max Dowman has given Arteta another exciting attacking player to consider.

The increased competition has left Madueke with a difficult battle for playing time.

England setback adds to January intrigue

Madueke has accepted that competition for places at Arsenal is intense, but his lack of minutes has already carried consequences beyond club football.

The winger has lost his place in the England squad, increasing the importance of regular first-team action as he looks to force his way back into international contention.

That could make the January window increasingly significant if his situation remains unchanged.

Juventus and Atletico could therefore have an opportunity to test Arsenal’s resolve, particularly if they can offer Madueke the consistent playing time he currently lacks.

For now, though, the expectation at Arsenal is that approaches for the winger would be resisted.

The club believe his importance could become clearer in the coming weeks and months, particularly with the demands of a season that requires Arteta to rotate his squad across several competitions.

Unless Madueke’s frustration leads to a change in circumstances, Arsenal appear determined to keep the winger rather than allow Juventus or Atletico to prise him away.