Playing time drives the Premier champion to seek an exit
Premier champion Arsenal faces the possibility of losing Noni Madueke, a 24‑year‑old English international, whose limited playing time under Mikel Arteta has sparked interest from Atlético and Juventus, while the club has yet to regain the winger despite Bukayo Saka being in full form.
Penalties in the Champions final
In the penalty shoot‑out of the 2025‑26 Champions final, Arsenal fielded Timber, Martinelli, Madueke, Zubimendi, Gabriel, Gyökeres and Eze. The English side fell to PSG, leaving the cup in the hands of the Parisians. That defeat marked the end of a European campaign that had seen the 'gunners' finish as runners‑up in Europe.
Minutes and career of Madueke
This season, Madueke has logged just 23 minutes in the Premier, spread over two matches. He also added 17 minutes in the Champions and 60 in the Community Shield, reaching a total of 100 minutes with Arsenal. That 100‑minute total places him among the squad members with the least playing time.
The winger arrived at Arsenal in 2025 from Chelsea, after being developed in Crystal Palace's youth ranks. The 'gunners' paid €56 million for the London‑born player.
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External interest and uncertain future
According to several English media outlets, Atlético de Madrid and Juventus are the clubs most interested in Madueke. The international, who has 24 caps for England, wants to avoid his career stagnating and hopes that Thomas Tuchel, England manager, will continue to count on him.
Arsenal are Premier champions and European runners‑up after losing the final to PSG. The club, led by Mikel Arteta, faces pressure to maintain the level while some players see their minutes reduced. The football market is always in motion, and the January transfer window opens the door to possible departures.
Bukayo Saka has regained his full form after physical issues, bolstering the team's right flank. However, Madueke's lack of playing time persists despite Saka's availability. Saka's full‑form presence reduces rotation options on the right wing, making Madueke's inclusion more difficult.
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Imma Mentruit of International Football notes that the 2029 Champions final is scheduled at the Spotify Camp Nou. In the Euro group stage, England played matches against DR Congo and Norway, where Madueke featured in all three first‑stage games. With the January transfer window open, Madueke's future at Arsenal remains up in the air.