Jul 8, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Chelsea FC forward Noni Madueke (11) arrives at the stadium before a semifinal match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Segar-Reuters via Imagn Images

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Why Has New Signing Noni Madueke Not Travelled With Arsenal Squad for the Asia Tour?

Arsenal fans were quick to notice the absence of winger Noni Madueke from the travelling party.

Arsenal have confirmed their 30-man squad for the club’s pre-season Asia tour. Manager Mikel Arteta has included a number of familiar faces alongside several summer signings. The Gunners will begin their preparations for the new season with matches against AC Milan, Newcastle United, and Tottenham Hotspur before they head home for their final match of the pre-season against Villarreal.

Among the named players are new signings Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Martin Zubimendi. All of these players have been named for the pre-season Asia tour as Arsenal step up preparations for the new season. However, Arsenal fans were quick to notice the absence of winger Noni Madueke from the travelling party.

Why Has Madueke Not Travelled With Arsenal Squad for the Asia Tour?

Arsenal recently secured the signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea for an initial fee of £48.5m. The Gunners acted swiftly to strengthen their attacking options for the new season. The 23-year-old England international has signed a five-year contract at Emirates Stadium. The overall transfer fee for the skillful winger is expected to go just over £50m with the add-ons.

Madueke has not travelled with Arsenal squad for the Asia tour as he has been granted a short rest period following his involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea. The winger featured in Chelsea’s semi-final win over Fluminense but was not involved in the final against PSG. As a result of his extended season commitments, Arsenal decided to allow him additional recovery time before integrating him fully into Mikel Arteta’s plans.

Madueke is expected to link up with his new teammates once they return from the Asia tour, where Arsenal are scheduled to play AC Milan in Singapore on Wednesday, July 23, followed by fixtures against Newcastle and Tottenham.

Full Arsenal Squad For Asia Tour

Our 30-player travelling squad for Singapore and Hong Kong ✈️ pic.twitter.com/4PbBpu50Yt
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 19, 2025

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta

Noni Madueke

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.