Reports suggest Arsenal are ready to splash £50 million to lure Noni Madueke away from Chelsea. But with Bukayo Saka firmly cemented on the right wing at the Emirates, the big question looms: what exactly is Madueke walking into?
A Battle He Likely Won’t Win:
Top-tier footballers don’t usually shy away from competition. Most believe they can outplay anyone. But let’s be honest, there’s no real contest when it comes to Saka. The Arsenal golden boy is indispensable. When he’s not on the pitch, the Gunners look short of ideas and intensity. So, is Madueke joining just to play second fiddle?
Last season, Madueke featured predominantly on Chelsea’s right flank, exactly where Saka rules at Arsenal. It’s hard to believe the club would spend that much just for a high-end backup. There must be more to this transfer.
Arteta’s Overreliance on Saka:
Since 2022, Mikel Arteta has pushed Saka to embody the world-class standard, playing regularly and decisively. But that strategy came at a cost. In December 2024, Saka picked up a hamstring injury against Crystal Palace and missed three months. Arsenal struggled, and it showed just how reliant they had become on one man.
Despite the injury being rare, his first significant layoff according to Transfermarkt, it exposed the lack of genuine alternatives. A player like Madueke, capable and Premier League-proven, could provide much-needed depth.
Could the Left Wing Be His Entry?:
Leaving Chelsea where he was a regular starter for uncertainty at Arsenal seems odd, unless Madueke sees a bigger role than just being Saka’s understudy.
Gabriel Martinelli had an underwhelming season. Arsenal could be scouting for someone to challenge him or even replace him in the starting lineup. Though Madueke rarely played on the left at Chelsea, he got a few chances late in the season. In fact, most of his left-wing minutes came in the final month, including games against Liverpool, Manchester United, and Newcastle. He also started on the left in both of Chelsea’s Club World Cup fixtures.
Still a Small Sample Size:
Despite those recent outings, 398 total minutes on the left isn’t enough to declare him a reliable option there. His ability to transfer that short run into consistent performances is still uncertain.
But the numbers show promise. Madueke is one of the most two-footed attackers in the league. Of players with at least 30 non-headed shots, he was one of the few with a near-balanced use of both feet. Most two-footed shooters are right-foot dominant. Among left-footers, only Antoine Semenyo had a closer split than Madueke.
He Delivers Across Both Flanks:
While he prefers cutting in from the right, Madueke is also capable of going outside his marker, a trait that works on either wing. His threat doesn’t disappear on the left.
Though his shot volume dropped from 3.7 per 90 minutes on the right to 2.4 on the left, his expected goals remained steady at 0.42. He also maintained nearly 8 touches in the box per 90 from the left. His direct dribbling, however, was more effective on the right, with 1.7 shot-ending carries per 90 compared to just 0.9 from the left.
Still, that’s impressive versatility.
### A Runner Like Martinelli
Unlike Saka, who often comes short, Madueke thrives with off-the-ball runs into the box. Last season, only five players averaged more runs ending in the penalty area than him. And of those, just one wasn’t a striker.
His movement is dangerous. Nearly 15 percent of his off-ball runs led to a shot for Chelsea, with only Salah and Mac Allister at Liverpool recording higher percentages. In the win over Manchester United in May, Madueke made two key runs from the left that created big chances. He didn’t finish them, but the intent and positioning were spot on.
### £50 Million Worth It?
In today’s market, £50 million gets you a solid Premier League winger entering his prime years. Madueke is 23, experienced, and still has room to grow. If he adapts to the left flank while offering strong cover for Saka, the investment could prove wise.
Whether he becomes a starter or a versatile weapon off the bench, Arsenal’s interest in Madueke might make more sense than it first appears.
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