Noni Madueke - Arsenal
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Arsenal have officially completed the signing of England international Noni Madueke from Chelsea in a deal worth £52 million. The 23-year-old winger has penned a five-year contract at the Emirates, becoming Mikel Arteta’s latest addition as the Gunners look to end a five-year trophy drought.
The agreement, finalised after prolonged negotiations, includes an initial £48 million fee with an additional £4 million in performance-related bonuses. Madueke underwent a medical earlier this week after departing Chelsea’s Club World Cup training camp in the United States to finalise the move.
Madueke becomes the second player to switch Stamford Bridge for the Emirates this summer, following goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £5 million move. His arrival adds much-needed depth and competition to Arsenal’s wide attacking options, particularly as cover for Bukayo Saka on the right and Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on the left.
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The former PSV Eindhoven star endured a mixed spell at Chelsea, registering 20 goals and nine assists in 92 appearances since joining in January 2023 for £29 million. Last season, he produced 11 goals and five assists in 45 appearances across all competitions. However, Chelsea’s recent investment in young attacking talent such as Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and Liam Delap left Madueke facing increased competition, prompting the club to cash in on a player who now delivers a substantial profit.
Chelsea’s willingness to sell was also influenced by the need to comply with UEFA’s financial fair play regulations, after being hit with sanctions earlier this summer. The funds from Madueke’s sale will contribute toward balancing the books.
At Arsenal, Madueke brings pace, direct dribbling, and versatility. Known for his ability to play on either wing, he ranked second only to Jeremy Doku in progressive carry percentage among Premier League wingers with significant minutes last season, a stat that caught Arteta’s attention. The Arsenal manager has long admired Madueke and sees him as a valuable rotational option who could eventually take on a larger role in the squad.
Reacting to his departure, Madueke posted an emotional farewell on Instagram: “I want to thank you for the last three or so years. To every staff member that helped me along this journey, thank you. To my teammates, thank you for everything, I leave with only love and admiration for you guys. We achieved so much this season, and I honestly wish you all the best. To Enzo Maresca, it was a privilege to play under you. Lastly, thank you to every single Chelsea fan for the love, the praise, and also the criticism, I appreciate it all. I leave here with nothing but fond memories.”
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Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca also addressed the transfer, saying: “Noni has been very important for us, but my message to the players is clear: I want players who are happy to be with us. If Noni is happy with this move, we wish him well.”
The transfer has divided opinion among Arsenal supporters. While some fans are excited about Madueke’s attacking potential and fit in Arteta’s system, others have questioned the £52 million price tag, particularly given his preferred position overlaps with Saka’s role. However, many believe Madueke’s versatility and ability to operate on either flank will prove valuable over the course of a long season.
Madueke becomes Arsenal’s fourth summer signing following the arrivals of Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard, Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The Gunners continue to be active in the transfer market, with Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres still high on their radar.
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