Noni Madueke shirt number and pre-season decision confirmed as Arsenal announce £52m transfer from Chelsea

Arsenal have announced the arrival of Noni Madueke from Chelsea in a deal worth a reported £52m.

The 23-year-old is understood to have penned a five-year contract until the summer of 2030 and becomes the Gunners' fourth arrival of the summer after Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Martin Zubimendi.

Madueke confirmed his exit from Chelsea shortly before his Arsenal unveiling, as the England international returns to North London seven years after leaving Tottenham Hotspur's youth academy in 2018.

"We're all so happy to welcome Noni Madueke to the team," Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta told the Gunners' official website. "Noni is an exciting and powerful young player, with his performances and numbers in recent seasons being of consistently high quality. He is one of the most talented wide forward players in the Premier League.

“At just 23, Noni already brings experience of club and international football, and he knows the Premier League very well. Having seen the quality of Noni’s performances up close in recent seasons, we’re really excited he is joining us.

Arteta: 'Madueke will be made to feel at home at Arsenal'

Talent in abundance.

Noni Madueke is a Gunner ✍️

Narrated by artist and Arsenal in the Community alumni, Stazzy ?️ pic.twitter.com/TfnkwG86Sz

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 18, 2025

“Noni joins our group with familiar England teammates and other players he knows. He will be made to feel at home straight away. His arrival will really improve our squad - we’re all thrilled to have him here. From all of us, welcome Noni and welcome to your family.”

Madueke rose to prominence in the Netherlands with PSV before returning to England with Chelsea in January 2023, eventually amassing 20 goals and nine assists in 92 matches for the Blues across all competitions.

Madueke found the back of the net 11 times last term - including seven strikes in the Premier League - and sporting director Andrea Berta labelled the transaction an "excellent deal" for the Gunners.

"We’re very pleased to have concluded an excellent deal for a hugely talented young player in Noni Madueke," the Italian added. "Noni’s performance numbers and availability over recent seasons have been exceptional, reflecting his quality and professionalism.

"Noni is a dynamic, versatile wide forward player with strong technical ability who will significantly strengthen our squad. Noni already has valuable experience at the top level and we know he will make a big impact at Arsenal. Together with everyone at the club, we warmly welcome Noni to Arsenal."

Madueke shirt number and pre-season status revealed after Arsenal move

Arsenal's newest recruit is confirmed to be wearing the number 20 shirt, which was last sported by another ex-Chelsea player in Jorginho and was also donned by Mathieu Flamini, Shkodran Mustafi and Nuno Tavares in previous seasons.

Madueke was absent from Chelsea's 3-0 Club World Cup final win over Paris Saint-Germain in order to complete his move to Arsenal, although he played five times in the USA beforehand.

As a result, the Gunners have confirmed that the 23-year-old will not be part of their pre-season tour to Asia and will instead link up with his new teammates when they return to London Colney in early August.

Madueke could therefore make his unofficial Arsenal debut against Villarreal on August 6, three days before the Gunners finish their pre-season against Athletic Bilbao in the Emirates Cup.

Following the winger's arrival, Arsenal are expected to ramp up their efforts to sign Viktor Gyokeres and Cristhian Mosquera, but they supposedly still have work to do to capture the former.

Written by
Ben Knapton