Chelsea braced for Noni Madueke bid from Arsenal but potential transfer faces major stumbling block

Arsenal are set to step up their efforts to land Madueke after reaching agreement with the England international on a five-year contract. According to The Telegraph, the Gunners have now done background checks on Madueke, as part of their 'due diligence' to sign the winger, and will now approach Chelsea directly about a transfer.

Chelsea are thought to be open to selling Madueke, particularly after landing Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro, but the deal could hit a stumbling block over price. The Blues want around £55 million for Madueke but that may be a problem for Arsenal. According to Fabrizio Romano, there is a "gap in valuation" between the two clubs and it's not clear yet if Arsenal are willing to match Chelsea's asking price.

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca was asked about Madueke after Chelsea secured a place in the Club World Cup final by beating Fluminense. He told reporters the speculation is not affecting his forward: "[We had] the same noise before the Palmeiras game, and we gave him half an hour and he was very good. I don't have any doubts that if we need Noni, he will help us. I can understand when there is noise around you, it is difficult to deal with that."

Madueke will continue preparations for Sunday's final against Real Madrid or PSG in what could potentially be his final game for Chelsea if negotiations with Arsenal prove successful.