As the 2025-26 Premier League season nears its kick-off, clubs like Arsenal and Newcastle United have started to escalate their transfer deals.
It was earlier reported by Fabrizio Romano that Arsenal expects to complete the signing of Chelsea’s Noni Madueke in the coming days.
However, the deal now seems to be progressing into its final stages, with the English player set to be an Arsenal player. Moreover, the Blues’ manager, Enzo Maresca, recently acknowledged the departure of Madueke in a rather straightforward manner.
Newcastle, who will compete in the Champions League 2025/26, completed the £55 million (as per Sky Sports) signing of Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest. The right-winger has reportedly signed a five-year contract with the Magpies.
Enzo Maresca on Noni Madueke’s move to Arsenal
As laid out by Fabrizio Romano on his official ‘X‘ handle, Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has expressed his stance on Noni Madueke‘s decision to choose a move to Arsenal. The £52m transfer deal reflects Chelsea’s need to balance their books following some notable incoming so far.
Madueke scored 7 goals and provided 4 assists in 32 appearances during the 2024-25 EPL season. When asked about the English player’s move to the Gunners, Maresca subtly shifted the responsibility to Madueke’s choice. Talking about the transfer situation of Madueke, Maresca reportedly told the media:
“If a player wants to leave, then in the end it is difficult for the club and manager. And yes, Noni decided to leave”. Maresca further stated, “No one said to Noni he has to leave. It was his own decision. If he is happy, we are happy”.
For Arsenal, this move could be a coup, adding a versatile winger to challenge, complement, or act as a back-up to Bukayo Saka. It remains to be seen how Madueke adapts to Mikel Arteta’s system.
How Anthony Elanga enhances Newcastle’s Attack?
Newcastle United have lost out to Chelsea in the race for signing João Pedro. But Anthony Elanga’s £55m move from Nottingham Forest to Newcastle United strengthens Eddie Howe’s attacking options.
Bringing an in-form player to the right wing provides versatile options for the Magpies to compete in the 2025-26 season, where they will be juggling Premier League and UCL football. Elanga’s on-the-pitch attributes, such as pace, dribbling skills, and an eye for the goal, boost Newcastle’s counter-attacking threat as well.
Having wingers like Anthony Gordon, Jacob Murphy, and Anthony Elanga offers Eddie Howe options, bench strength, and tactical flexibility.
Enhancing Newcastle’s ability to disrupt opponents, Elanga, if he gets an opportunity to pair up with his national teammate Alexander Isak (considering if the striker stays at Newcastle) in the attacking areas, could also provide a major synergy spike to the Magpies’ game plan next season.
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