Shay Given
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Premier League goalkeeper Shay Given has admitted he is surprised Chelsea allowed Noni Madueke to join Arsenal, suggesting the England winger is already proving to be a significant upgrade on his replacement at Stamford Bridge.
Arsenal raised eyebrows in the summer when they sanctioned a £50 million move for Madueke, whose form during his two-and-a-half years at Chelsea was often inconsistent. Despite flashes of brilliance, the winger managed 20 goals in 92 appearances for the Blues after his £28.5m transfer from PSV in 2023.
Madueke nevertheless played a role in Chelsea’s recent successes, helping them secure Champions League qualification and lifting the UEFA Conference League last season while also earning a place in the England squad.
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Still, many fans and pundits questioned Arsenal’s decision to pursue him, given the mixed track record of players moving directly from Chelsea to north London. But the 23-year-old has made an impressive start to life at the Emirates and further enhanced his reputation with strong performances on international duty for England.
Arsenal - Noni Madueke
Noni Madueke (Image credit: Getty Images)
Gary Neville recently admitted he was “surprised” by Madueke’s impact in an Arsenal shirt, and Given has echoed that sentiment, questioning Chelsea’s logic in letting him leave.
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“I’m actually surprised that Chelsea let Noni Madueke go because it looks like they’ve replaced him with Alejandro Garnacho and at the minute you would say Madueke is miles ahead of him,” Given toldBBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club.
“I think Madueke is going to just get better and better as well. He’s still a young player, still going to be improved under Mikel Arteta I’m sure. He looks to be enjoying his role at Arsenal.”
Chelsea moved quickly after Madueke’s exit, signing Garnacho in a £40m deal from Manchester United. The Argentine teenager impressed off the bench on his debut against Brentford but came under scrutiny for his role in conceding a late equaliser.
Madueke, by contrast, has already been trusted to start in Arsenal’s Champions League opener, playing in their 2-0 victory away at Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday.
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