Arsenal's next transfer after Noni Madueke is clear after £116m spending spree

4 hours ago 17

Arsenal are expected to complete their fourth piece of incoming transfer business with the signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea. The 23-year-old has agreed personal terms and a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium in a deal worth around £50million with add-ons included.

Madueke joined the Blues for £30m from PSV in January 2023 but has struggled for consistent form since his move to Stamford Bridge, scoring just 20 times and adding nine assists in 92 appearances. However, Madueke's underlying data indicates that he is underperforming and should have contributed more.

If he can translate his impressive expected goals (xG) and expected assists (xA) date into end product then it could be a terrific addition for the Gunners. He is expected to be used as second fiddle to Bukayo Saka on the right and battle for the starting spot on the left, having been used there on occasion at Chelsea.

Though a deal has not been completed yet, Madueke is close to becoming Arsenal's fourth summer arrival after Kepa Arrizabalaga signed from Chelsea for £5m, Martin Zubimendi made the £51m move from Real Sociedad and Christian Norgaard swapped Brentford for the Gunners in a £10m transaction.

After Arsenal sign Madueke, getting a new striker over the line should be their primary concern. Viktor Gyokeres appears to be the man to fill that void, having reportedly agreed personal terms on a blockbuster move to north London. Reports earlier this week suggested that Arsenal are 'advancing' in a deal for the Swede.

Viktor Gyokeres is still hoping to complete his dream transfer to Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres is still hoping to complete his dream transfer to Arsenal

Mikel Arteta's side may have scored the third-most goals in the Premier League last season (69), but they failed to have a single player register double figures in the top flight. Arsenal's lack of firepower in attack became a problem as the year progressed, with Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus suffering serious injuries in the winter.

But the Gunners are determined to strengthen their forward line and get one over the line for 2025/26, with Gyokeres targeted after another impressive season in Portugal at Sporting. In fact, Gyokeres netted a staggering 54 goals and added 13 assists in 52 matches for the Primeira Liga outfit last campaign.

Arsenal's defensive department doesn't seem to need much work, although Cristhian Mosquera appears to have emerged as a centre-back target, while their central midfield area appears fixed after Norgaard and Zubimendi came in to replace Jorginho and Thomas Partey.

It's just their attacking line that could do with significant improvement. Madueke and Gyokeres would add firepower and strength in depth to that front three, as the Gunners look to go for the Premier League title again.

Gyokeres would move above Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus - when he is back fit - in the pecking order up front. Saka would start as the right winger with Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli battling for the left wing berth.

Even if he wasn't at his flying best last season, Martin Odegaard would keep the No.10 position with Ethan Nwaneri moving there as back-up, following an impressive breakthrough campaign.

Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023

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