Noni Madueke makes pre-season decision despite short break since Club World Cup with Chelsea as winger prepares to link up with Arsenal team-mates

Madueke is wasting no time preparing himself for a fresh challenge at Emirates Stadium in the 2025-26 campaign as he cut short his holiday to report for pre-season training with Arsenal last week, according to The Standard. The rest of the squad returned from their Asia tour last Thursday and were then given a few days off before they resumed pre-season preparations from Monday. However, Madueke reached the club a week early and was training with his individual coach, Saul Isaksson-Hurst.

Madueke reportedly wanted to travel with the Gunners squad for their Asia tour, but he was later advised to take rest as he had also travelled with the Chelsea team to the Club World Cup in the US. On Madueke's exclusion from the squad, manager Mikel Arteta had said last month: "With Noni it wasn’t possible because he needed some time, and he’s going to take a short vacation. He said he wants to join straight away, as soon as we are back."

Arteta bought Madueke to further strengthen the wings of his squad. While the England star predominantly played on the right flank at Stamford Bridge, he can operate on both sides.

The 23-year-old could make his debut on Wednesday as the Premier League giants take on Villarreal at home in a friendly clash.