Premier League heavyweights Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly eyeing moves for homegrown talents Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto as both clubs look to bolster their squads while adhering to Premier League regulations.
The Homegrown Dilemma
With strict rules requiring at least eight homegrown players in each 25-man Premier League squad, top clubs are scrambling to secure eligible talent. This season saw both Arsenal and Chelsea name reduced squads due to shortages in this department.
Madueke's Chelsea Future in Question
Despite being a homegrown player himself, Chelsea's Noni Madueke finds his future at Stamford Bridge uncertain. The 21-year-old winger, who joined from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023, has struggled for consistent game time under Mauricio Pochettino.
Arsenal are monitoring the situation closely, with Mikel Arteta known to be an admirer of the England U21 international's explosive pace and direct style of play.
Neto's Wolves Exit Looms
Meanwhile, Wolves' Portuguese winger Pedro Neto has emerged as a prime target for both London clubs. The 23-year-old qualifies as homegrown having joined Wolves from Lazio in 2019 as a teenager.
With Wolves reportedly willing to sell for the right price, Arsenal see Neto as the perfect replacement for the departed Nicolas Pepe, while Chelsea view him as an upgrade on their current wide options.
Financial Fair Play Considerations
Both deals would represent significant financial commitments, with Neto likely to command a fee in excess of £50 million. However, the homegrown premium makes these targets particularly valuable in today's market.
As the January transfer window approaches, the battle for these coveted wingers could intensify, with both clubs desperate to address their homegrown shortages while adding quality to their attacking options.
