%20rotate(-8.06)%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22336.19%20136.81%20330.16%2094.25%20326.06%2071.19%20326.44%2071.13%20335.22%2093.54%20352.29%20134.52%20373.95%20131.46%20362.7%2052.01%20350.02%2053.8%20356.05%2096.36%20360.15%20119.42%20359.77%20119.48%20350.99%2097.08%20333.91%2056.09%20312.25%2059.15%20323.51%20138.6%20336.19%20136.81%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22402.91%2059.3%20412.36%20126.02%20427.17%20123.92%20417.72%2057.21%20431.59%2055.24%20429.79%2042.51%20387.23%2048.53%20389.04%2061.27%20402.91%2059.3%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22463.51%20118.77%20458.69%2084.71%20474.68%2082.44%20479.51%20116.5%20494.36%20114.4%20483.11%2034.95%20468.26%2037.06%20472.96%2070.25%20456.96%2072.52%20452.26%2039.32%20437.4%2041.43%20448.65%20120.88%20463.51%20118.77%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22540.5%20107.87%20538.77%2095.68%20518.91%2098.49%20515.77%2076.29%20535.63%2073.47%20533.93%2061.5%20514.07%2064.32%20511.11%2043.42%20530.98%2040.61%20529.25%2028.42%20494.53%2033.34%20505.78%20112.78%20540.5%20107.87%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22299.03%20155.17%20301.29%20171.58%20542.78%20138.39%20540.5%20121.97%20299.03%20155.17%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Arsenal are in personal discussions with Noni Madueke, and the player is open to leaving Chelsea for the Gunners.
Over the last few weeks, Noni Madueke to Arsenal transfer whispers have been growing increasingly louder. The Chelsea winger, who is held in high regard by both Enzo Maresca and the Chelsea fanbase, is wanted by Mikel Arteta.
For whatever reason, we can't keep Mikel Arteta away from signing Chelsea players, for better or for worse. Arsenal fans can only hope that, if a deal is pursued for Noni Madueke, he plays more like Kai Havertz has than Raheem Sterling did.
Arsenal advance in discussions with Chelsea star
According to an early afternoon transfer update from Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal has advanced in discussions over Noni Madueke's personal terms. No move has been made yet, but the talks have commenced.
Further, while Noni Madueke hasn't handed in a Chelsea transfer request, he's believed to be open to a move to Arsenal. Therefore, Arsenal could have an upper hand in negotiations.
In his own words, Romano said: Arsenal have now started advancing on personal terms discussions with Noni Madueke. Madueke hasn’t asked to leave Chelsea at this stage, [he's] focused on Club World Cup; meanwhile, he’s understood to be open to Arsenal move. Nothing agreed/close between clubs yet."
So, no move has been made yet, but this shows that Arsenal's interest in Madueke is serious, and if personal terms go well, the next step would naturally be to submit a proposal to Chelsea.
Enzo Maresca hasn't ruled out Noni Madueke transfer
Recently, Enzo Maresca opened the door for Noni Madueke to leave. While he showed no opposition to his commitment levels or personal ability, Maresca did make a telling claim that he wanted only those with 100% loyalty to Chelsea to be playing under him.
In his own words, Maresca said: “Noni has been very important for us. But my message to the players and to the club is that I want just players that are happy to be with us. The ones that are not happy, they are free to go."
While this isn't an open invitation for Arsenal to go and sign Madueke, Maresca has hinted that Chelsea wouldn't say no if an approach was made, based on how happy Maresca feels like Madueke is at Chelsea.
Noni Madueke is a versatile winger who can play on either flank. Depending on what happens with Gabriel Martinelli this summer, it could serve Arteta well to have a player who is malleable to his attacking needs. After all, versatility is a key trait for any Arteta player.