Madueke eyed by Atletico Madrid and Juventus for January move
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Noni Madueke's struggle for minutes at Arsenal has not gone unnoticed abroad. Atletico Madrid and Juventus are both reportedly monitoring the winger ahead of the January transfer window, according to football.london, with The Telegraph suggesting any move would likely be a loan rather than a permanent sale.
Madueke joined Arsenal from Chelsea last summer for £50million, arriving with plenty of promise after starting four of the club's opening five Premier League matches. A knee problem then disrupted his progress, and this season he has made just two Premier League appearances, both off the bench, totalling only 27 minutes in the league.
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His other outings have come in the Community Shield and the League Cup third-round win over Ipswich. That drop-off in involvement comes despite Arsenal losing three forwards over the summer while bringing in only one replacement, a situation that has left the club relatively light in attack even as Madueke finds himself on the fringes.
England recognition also slipping
The 24-year-old was left out of Thomas Tuchel's most recent England squad, a further sign that his lack of club football is beginning to have wider consequences. With almost four years still remaining on his Arsenal contract, there is no urgency on the club's part to sanction a departure, but a temporary move in January could offer Madueke the regular game-time he is currently being denied.
Arsenal have shown previously that they are open to loan exits for players who need first-team football, and a similar arrangement for Madueke would allow both the player and the club to reassess the situation in the summer. Interest from clubs the size of Atletico Madrid and Juventus underlines that his talent is still highly regarded, even if circumstances at Arsenal have not worked in his favour this season.
What happens next
Arsenal's attacking options will be under scrutiny again as the season progresses, particularly if further injuries or suspensions arise. For now, Madueke remains part of Mikel Arteta's squad, but his situation is one to watch closely as January approaches. Whether a loan move materialises will likely depend on how much his involvement changes between now and the turn of the year.
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