Noni Madueke to Arsenal transfer update emerges as Chelsea 'respond' to £50m offer

Arsenal have reportedly submitted their first offer for Chelsea and England winger Noni Madueke as they aim to strengthen their attack this summer.

The Gunners are looking to add a winger to their forward line this summer and were linked with a swoop for Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams. However, the Basque club have since agreed a new ten-year contract with the Spanish international, meaning Mikel Arteta's side are needing to look elsewhere.

football.london understands that Arsenal and Chelsea are currently locked in club-to-club negotiations for Madueke, but journalist Fabrizio Romano reckons the Gunners have gone a step further. He understands that Arsenal have submitted an initial bid worth £50m, including add-ons, for the winger.

READ MORE: Chelsea open transfer talks as Premier League deal emerges after Arsenal move

READ MORE: Arsenal drop subtle £87m transfer hints as Andrea Berta masterplan takes fresh twist

It's stated that this has been rejected by Chelsea, as they value Madueke above £50m. Romano reports that the Blues have seen other deals completed this summer which point to the 23-year-old being worth more than that.

Notably mentioned is Newcastle United's bid for Nottingham Forest's Anthony Elanga. The ex-Manchester United forward is set to move to St James' Park for a fee of £55m.

Meanwhile, United signed Matheus Cunha for £62.5m earlier in the transfer window. While there is no current agreement for Madueke, the relationship between Arsenal and Chelsea is considered to be good and, should he move to the Emirates Stadium, the winger would join Kepa Arrizabalaga as another ex-Blue in north London.

Madueke scored a modest seven goals in the Premier League last season and has been utilised in five of Chelsea's six Club World Cup matches so far. However, he has yet to score or grab an assist in the United States.

It was reported earlier this year that Madueke was one of several players that Enzo Maresca was willing to sell this summer - with moves seemingly in place to do so.