Why Chelsea's Joao Pedro counts as homegrown but Arsenal's Noni Madueke doesn't

Arsenal have secured the signing of England star Noni Madueke, while Chelsea have strengthened their attack with Brazilian forward Joao Pedro. However, it's Chelsea's latest addition who qualifies as homegrown, not the former. Madueke, 23, doesn't due to his time spent playing for PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie during his youth.

A player's nationality and age doesn't necessarily determine their homegrown status. To be classified as such, a player must be registered and trained by either the Football Association (FA) or the Football Association of Wales (FAW) for at least three years between the ages of 15 and 21. Liverpool's new Dutch star Jeremie Frimpong helps alleviate the Reds' homegrown issues due to his previous association with Manchester City, for example. This means that Pedro, 23, is considered homegrown as he was registered with Watford between the ages of 18 and 21 after signing from Fluminense in 2020. Madueke started his youth career at Crystal Palace before later joining Tottenham Hotspur.

However, his move to PSV in 2018 disrupted his homegrown status. He eventually moved to Chelsea in 2023, and despite earning seven England caps, he cannot be considered homegrown in UEFA competitions.

The Premier League stipulates that at least eight out of a squad of 25 players must be homegrown. Nevertheless, players from overseas can achieve the status if they have played at an English or Welsh club before turning 21.

Madueke sealed a £52million switch to the Gunners from Chelsea. Arsenal paid £48m upfront with an additional £4m in performance-related add-ons. The deal will keep him at the Emirates Stadium until 2030.

Upon joining the north London club, Madueke said: "I'm somebody who goes with my gut feeling a lot of the time and I feel like it's steered me in the right direction so far. So, I don't think it's going to be any different here. I think it's going to be a great success and I'm really happy to be here.

"I've spoken to Dec [Rice], Myles [Lewis-Skelly], Bukayo [Saka], even Jurrien [Timber] as well and they all say amazing things about the club and the culture here, how warm it is and how much of a family it is. I'm really happy to be a part of the Arsenal family now."

He becomes Arsenal's fourth acquisition of the summer, following the arrivals of Kepa Arrizabalaga, also from Chelsea, Spain international Martin Zubimendi, and Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.

Adding Brazil international Pedro is another big statement from the FIFA Club World Cup champions Chelsea - and he has already had a major impact for the Blues. Arriving at Stamford Bridge on a seven-year contract, Chelsea prised Pedro away from Brighton in a deal worth up to £60m. The former Watford player scored 30 goals in 70 games for the Seagulls.

He joins a host of new signings at Chelsea this summer. Other incomings include Liam Delap for £30m, Dário Essugo for £18.5m and Mamadou Sarr for £18m. Brazil youngster Estevao Willian has also joined from Palmeiras.

"Everyone knows this is a big club with a great history," Pedro said upon joining Enzo Maresca's side. "They had brilliant players in the past and have brilliant players now. So I am excited to join and you know when you are a Chelsea player you must think one thing - win."