Noni Madueke attracts Champions League interest after Arsenal role reduced

Noni Madueke is already attracting serious interest from elsewhere after finding regular Premier League starts hard to come by at Arsenal this season.

The 24-year-old played an important role in Arsenal’s title-winning campaign last year, but the picture has changed quickly.

With Bukayo Saka ahead of him on the right and fierce competition elsewhere in attack, Madueke has been restricted mainly to substitute appearances so far in the league.

That has caught the attention of clubs across Europe, with January now beginning to look like a window worth watching.

Atlético Madrid and Juventus monitoring Madueke

According to The Telegraph, Champions League clubs are keeping tabs on Madueke’s situation ahead of the January transfer window.

Atlético Madrid and Juventus are believed to be long-term admirers, while other clubs could join the race if Arsenal show any willingness to discuss a loan.

Madueke has only played a small number of Premier League minutes this season, although he has started in the Community Shield and Carabao Cup. His lack of action has also affected his England place, with Thomas Tuchel leaving him out of the latest squad.

Still, there is no suggestion Arsenal have decided to let him go. Given the demands of a long season across four competitions, Mikel Arteta may yet need him heavily.

Vieira’s praise shows why Arsenal should think twice

Madueke’s current role should not disguise what he can bring.

During the World Cup, Arsenal legend Patrick Vieira praised his ability to stretch defences, saying: “You are not going to find somebody better than Madueke” when it comes to making runs in behind.

Vieira made the comments on The Rest Is Football, with the remarks reported by Yahoo Sports.

That feels relevant now. Madueke may not be starting every week, but Arsenal would be taking a risk by weakening their depth halfway through a title defence.

Saka cannot play every minute, injuries happen, and Madueke offers a directness that few others in the squad replicate.

A loan might make sense for the player if his minutes stay this limited, but from Arsenal’s side, January should only become an option if Arteta genuinely believes he can cope without him.

For now, interest from Atlético and Juventus looks understandable. Whether Arsenal actually open the door is another matter.