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Madueke has agreed personal terms with Arsenal (Picture: Getty Images)
Arsenal legend Sol Campbell believes Noni Madueke can be a ‘quality’ addition to the squad – but has called for the club to explain their transfer decisions to ease concerns among supporters.
The Gunners have agreed personal terms with the Chelsea winger with the London rivals in talks over a transfer fee. The Blues want up to £55million for the England international, who has remained part of the squad competing in the Club World Cup despite his uncertain future.
Madueke was a first-team regular under Enzo Maresca last season but Arsenal’s attempts to bring him to the Emirates have sparked concerns among their support with thousands signing a #NOTOMADUEKE petition online.
Arsenal want to bring in a left-sided forward but the vast majority of Madueke’s football for Chelsea has come playing on the right – a position Bukayo Saka has locked down in north London.
If a deal is successful, Madueke would also become the sixth Chelsea player signed by Arteta.
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Campbell, who famously crossed the north London divide 24 years ago when he joined from Tottenham, believes Madueke has the qualities to thrive at Arsenal but appreciates the concerns among the Arsenal faithful.
With plenty of supporters questioning how the former PSV Eindhoven star would fit in given his best position is occupied by Saka, Campbell has suggested Arsenal owe it to their fans to explain the decisions that could define their summer transfer window.
Sol Campbell, Former Footballer at Arsenal and England,
Campbell is a fan of Madueke (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I’ve seen him play, and he’s a very dynamic, keep-going kind of player that can cause problems when he gets into the final third,’ Campbell told Metro, courtesy of BetSelect.
‘I think most people are probably thinking, “Do we need him?”. He’s a quality player, but I think the club needs to explain why they’re getting certain players in and how it’s going to fit into our system.
‘It’s important to explain that to the players and the fans.’
Whether it is Madueke or not, Arsenal are eager to strengthen the left of their attack, also holding interest in Real Madrid star Rodrygo and Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon.
Noni Madueke’s stats from the 2024-25 Premier League season.
Any addition will raise questions over Gabriel Martinelli’s future. The Brazil international has struggled to reach the heights of his excellent 2022-23 campaign where he scored 15 Premier League goals with Leandro Trossard challenging him for a starting role on the left the last two seasons.
Campbell is a big admirer of Martinelli but appreciates Arsenal’s need to ‘change it up’ The former England international believes added competition on the left may bring the best out of the Brazilian – if he is up for the challenge.
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Any new arrivals could raise doubts over Martinelli’s future (Picture: Getty)
‘Martinelli has been great. He’s been amazing,’ Campbell said.
‘He picked up at the back end of the last season. But you have to change it up. I think Arteta wants to put players quietly under pressure to see how they react.
‘How will you respond to competition? If you’re a top player, you respond with concentration and quality. You put pressure on certain positions and certain players to get focus. That’s the focus you need to win something.’
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