Madueke Reclassified as a Homegrown Player by Premier League

Premier League confirms Noni Madueke reclassification as a homegrown player, giving Arsenal a strategic squad advantage.

Arsenal’s squad composition, forward Noni Madueke has officially been reclassified as a homegrown player, the Premier League confirmed to The Athletic. This decision adds strategic value to the club’s roster planning ahead of the upcoming season.

The 23-year-old attacker made the switch to the North London side from Chelsea just last week, with his status update coming shortly after a formal request was submitted before the close of the 2024–25 season.

Buy Arsenal's 2025–26 Home Kit through the ArsenalTalks Shop

Click this link to buy the new 2025–26 Arsenal home kit through our ArsenalTalks Shop.

Premier League regulations define a homegrown player as someone who was registered with either the Football Association (FA) or the FA of Wales for at least three full seasons prior to the end of the season in which they turn 21. This classification impacts how clubs construct their 25-man squads, which must include no more than 17 non-homegrown players.

Madueke began his career in Tottenham Hotspur’s youth academy, where he spent crucial developmental years. In 2018, at age 16, he left Spurs for Dutch side PSV, gaining first-team experience in the Eredivisie. He returned to England in January 2023, just two months before turning 21, to join Chelsea.

Despite his time abroad, the Premier League’s internal review confirmed that Madueke fulfilled the three-season requirement at Tottenham’s youth setup. Crucially, the regulations do not demand senior team appearances, allowing academy contributions to count toward eligibility.

Madueke’s reclassification frees up one non-homegrown slot in Arsenal’s squad list, giving manager Mikel Arteta more flexibility with foreign signings. It also underscores Arsenal’s continued emphasis on acquiring players with long-term potential who fit within domestic regulations.