Micah Richards has expressed confusion over Arsenal's interest in Chelsea winger Noni Madueke. The pundit has questioned how the England international would fit into Mikel Arteta's team, given that Bukayo Saka will occupy his preferred spot in the XI.
Madueke had a solid season with Chelsea, contributing 16 goals and assists as the Blues clinched the UEFA Conference League title. Despite breaking into the England team, he seems to be behind Pedro Neto in the Chelsea squad. His place is now further threatened by new arrivals Jamie Gittens and Brazilian youngster Estevao.
It has been claimed that Madueke has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal ahead of a potential move across London, though his reported £50million valuation could pose a hurdle.
With a transfer looking very possible, Richards is puzzled by Arsenal's pursuit of a player who shares the same position as star man Saka.
If Madueke were to join the Gunners, he'd likely have to adapt to playing on the left, which isn't his preferred position. Richards has praised Arsenal's signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, but insists that their priority right now should be securing a top striker.
"I like Zubimendi. We saw him in the Euros final, when Rodri came off. Very good player, tactically really good," Richards said on the Rest is Football podcast. "He's good on the ball, really good awareness in midfield.
"Gyokeres is a really good striker. I think a striker is more important than getting Madueke in first.
"Madueke... where is he going to play? He's been playing for Chelsea on the left recently. I really like him as a player, but I like him on the right and he's not going to play ahead of Bukayo Saka, is he?
Noni Madueke is heavily linked with a Chelsea exit
Noni Madueke is heavily linked with a Chelsea exit (Image: Getty Images)
"So, I'm scratching my head on that one. I agree [that they need two players in every position]. But Saka is always fit normally, until he got that really bad injury."
With Chelsea's squad continuing to grow, Madueke's stay at the club could end less than three years after joining from PSV Eindhoven. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has already highlighted that those who wish to leave the club are welcome to do so.
"Noni has been very important for us," Maresca said. "But my message to the players and to the club is that I just want players that are happy to be with us. The ones that are not happy, they are free to go. Noni has been very good during the season."
Micah Richards
Micah Richards is not convinced by some of Arsenal's potential transfer activity (Image: Alex Dodd - CameraSport via Getty Images)
The Chelsea boss has since clarified his comments about Madueke, saying: "Personally I think the same noise where before the Palmeiras game, you see we gave him half an hour and he was very good, so I don't have any doubt that if we need Noni he is going to help us.
"At the same moment I can understand that as a human being when there are many noise around you it's not easy to deal with that, but hopefully he can deal with that."
The Gunners have previously plucked talent from Chelsea, including Jorginho, who had an impactful stay before departing this summer. Kai Havertz also left Stamford Bridge for the Gunners in 2023. Raheem Sterling's loan transfer last year proved less effective, though, with the former Manchester City star struggling to find form.
Arsenal already demonstrated their ongoing working relationship with Chelsea by bringing in Kepa Arrizabalaga for £5m this summer. And while Madueke is a big target, they are working very hard on bringing in a new striker in the form of Viktor Gyokeres.
Talks with Sporting CP are felt to be nearing a conclusion, while creative attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace is also being looked at.
Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.