10 May 2026 14:07 BST | 4 min read
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal
© IMAGO
Cameron Smith
Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer
Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020
Arsenal winger Noni Madueke has revealed the real reason why he decided to join the club from Chelsea last summer.
The England international completed a surprise €56 million transfer to the Emirates Stadium in July, despite Arsenal fans protesting against the deal, and he has featured on a regular basis since his arrival, largely thanks to Bukayo Saka’s injury troubles in 2025-26.
Madueke has made 40 appearances across all competitions so far this season, registering 11 goal contributions, and he is widely expected to be selected by England boss Thomas Tuchel for the upcoming World Cup after impressing for the national team over the past 12 months.
The 24-year-old’s move to Arsenal certainly raised eyebrows, especially considering the transfer fee involved and the fact he still had five years remaining on his contract at Chelsea, but Madueke has confirmed why he opted to join the Gunners last year.
Speaking to Sky Sports" href="https://www.skysports.com/football/video/16429/13541581/noni-madueke-answers-the-internet-s-most-asked-questions-noni-madueke-fan-q-and-a" target="_blank">Sky Sports about his move across London, Madueke admitted: “I just believed Arsenal were going to win trophies so that’s why I moved.
“The England boys helped me a lot, I was already close to them so it was great. The whole club helped me though, everyone in and around the club was helpful. It’s full of good people and people who want to work hard and achieve something. It was easy in that sense.”
Despite Chelsea’s triumph in the Club World Cup final after Madueke’s exit, his move to Arsenal looks inspired, with the Gunners able to win the Premier League and Champions League double this season and his former club potentially set to finish in the bottom half of the English top flight table if they are unable to improve their current form.
Noni Madueke, Arsenal
© IMAGO - Noni Madueke, Arsenal
Arsenal’s summer transfer plans
Although Arsenal could win a historic double this season, they have no plans to rest on their laurels and the club are set to back Mikel Arteta in the transfer market this summer.
FootballTransfers understands that Newcastle United trio Valentino Livramento, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon are wanted by the north London giants, while Arsenal have also been heavily linked with a blockbuster move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
In order to fund such business, however, a number of stars are expected to be sold, with the futures of Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Ben White and Ethan Nwaneri currently uncertain.
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