I know how desperate they want me to join but the transfer will only go through on ONE certain condition, Arteta met me yesterday but without them meeting up this condition there’s no way I will leave Chelsea to join them”, Noni Madueke reveals the only ONE condition that could make Him accept Arsenal move this summer amid Gabriel Martinelli departure
In another headline-grabbing moment this transfer window, Chelsea winger Noni Madueke has publicly addressed the growing speculation linking him with a shock move to North London rivals Arsenal — and he’s made it crystal clear there’s only one condition under which the transfer will ever happen.
Speaking during a surprise press conference after Chelsea’s preseason training session this afternoon, Madueke didn’t hold back when questioned about the Gunners’ interest, confirming talks had indeed taken place.
💬 “I know how desperate they want me to join,” Madueke admitted with a knowing smile. “But the transfer will only go through on ONE certain condition. Arteta met me yesterday personally to discuss the move, but without them meeting this condition, there’s no way I will leave Chelsea to join them.”
🔐 THE CONDITION REVEALED
When asked by reporters to reveal the specific condition that could unlock the deal, Madueke boldly declared:
💬 “I made it clear to Arteta — if I’m joining Arsenal, I’m coming as a guaranteed starter. Not as a squad player, not to sit on the bench, not to be rotated. I respect myself and my talent too much for that. Unless they promise me I’ll be a key figure in their starting XI week in, week out, there’s no deal.”
🔥 THE GABRIEL MARTINELLI FACTOR
This statement comes at a time when Arsenal are actively preparing for the potential departure of Gabriel Martinelli, who, as reported earlier, is on the verge of considering a move to Bayern Munich following a personal fallout with Mikel Arteta over his role at the club.
Madueke is believed to be high on Arsenal’s list of replacements for Martinelli due to his explosive pace, directness, and Premier League experience — but his demand for guaranteed starting status could complicate negotiations, especially with Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard already competing for wide positions at the Emirates.
⚪🔴 ARTETA’S DILEMMA
Sources close to the Arsenal camp suggest Arteta is keen to add Madueke to inject more pace and unpredictability into his attack, but the manager is reportedly reluctant to offer guaranteed starting spots to any player — a principle he’s consistently upheld since taking over at the club.
💬 “At Arsenal, you earn your place. No one is bigger than the team,” a club insider reportedly said when asked about Madueke’s condition. “Arteta has built a squad of fighters, not entitlement.”
💥 TRANSFER STANDOFF IMMINENT?
With both sides standing firm, it seems a transfer standoff could be on the cards unless a compromise is reached. Chelsea are believed to be open to selling Madueke for the right price, especially with their own attacking reinforcements on the way, but Arsenal will now need to carefully weigh whether meeting Madueke’s demand is worth disrupting their established squad harmony.
📢 FANS DIVIDED
Reactions from both Arsenal and Chelsea fanbases have been swift and divided. While some Arsenal supporters are excited at the prospect of Madueke’s flair and physicality on the flanks, others warn against disrupting the team’s competitive balance by guaranteeing starting places to any newcomer.