Arsenal have been looking for ways to revitalise their attack for some time. Last season made it clear that the team’s dependence on Bukayo Saka is excessive and dangerous for a team that aspire to fight for every title. Mikel Arteta knows this well. The summer transfer window presents an opportunity to strengthen the wings and offer variations that make the offensive block less predictable.

That is why the name Noni Madueke is back on the scene. A young English player with the spark to break through when everything goes right for him. His profile fits in with the idea of strengthening the wide line, although he is not the only candidate being considered.

Arsenal are interested in 23-year-old English international from Chelsea

According to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal have already made a move for Madueke and have presented an offer to his entourage. The idea is clear: to convince the player to leave Chelsea and move to north London. Talks have begun, and there is a sense of optimism among the Gunners. However, Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid remains a priority target on Arteta’s list. Madueke, therefore, is a real option but not a done deal, leaving the door open to several outcomes. Plettenberg maintains that the deal still depends on details, but Arsenal does not want to wait too long.

Opinion:

So, what is the point of going all out for Madueke? The answer to this question is mixed. On the one hand, there is no denying that Rodrygo offers greater guarantees in terms of quality, impact in big games and consistency. The Brazilian is comfortable on both wings, has an eye for goal and experience in the Champions League.

Madueke, on the other hand, is a player with potential who has yet to fully exploit it. If Arsenal make him a priority, they risk signing a player who has yet to prove his consistency. That said, his margin for improvement is interesting, and Arteta has shown a knack for polishing players who need confidence. Just as he did with Martinelli and Trossard at key moments.

Of course, his inconsistency at Chelsea leaves doubts. He never quite settled at Stamford Bridge, alternating brilliant games with lacklustre weeks. His record of 20 goals and nine assists in almost 100 games is not particularly impressive for someone who plays close to the touchline. That is why many see this signing as a double-edged sword. If it works, he will add unpredictability to a wing that needs alternatives when Saka slows down. If he fails again, he will become another frustrating case of a promising young player who fades after changing shirts.

Furthermore, the context cannot be ignored: signing Madueke means strengthening the team at the expense of a direct rival. That always fuels speculation and creates certain tensions. In the dressing room, adding a hungry winger could stimulate internal competition.

What should be done?

Martinelli and Trossard cannot rest on their laurels, Saka would have more breathing space, and Arteta would enjoy a wider tactical range. The problem is that the stands are not always patient with such profiles. Some fans could see the signing as a low-profile move if it is completed without first securing a big name like Rodrygo.

In my opinion, Arsenal should keep Madueke as a second option and not as a headline signing. He has the potential to shine, but he has yet to prove himself fully reliable. If they manage to get him from Chelsea for a reasonable fee, without jeopardising other moves, he would be welcome as a catalyst.

But closing the door on Rodrygo by prioritising Madueke would be a miscalculation. To compete with Europe’s big clubs, you need wingers with goalscoring ability, personality and a habit of stepping up when the game is on the line. Madueke is not there yet. Arsenal need to add quality without putting all the pressure on a youngster who, so far, has shown more flashes of brilliance than consistency. We will have to see if Plettenberg is right and this time the young Englishman does take that definitive step.