Arsenal's signing of Noni Madueke divided opinion last summer but Martin Keown admits he has been surprised by the impact he's made as the winger finished his season with a goal
Martin Keown has hailed one of Arsenal's summer signings
Martin Keown has hailed one of Arsenal's summer signings(Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Martin Keown admitted to Arsenal's Noni Madueke that he "surprised him the most" following his debut year in north London - with several of the club's fans originally against his signing.
The winger moved from Chelsea as part of the club's summer recruitment drive, but fans were outspoken when it came to calling out the deal. Madueke had produced in moments at the Blues, but has proved far more effective for Arsenal and is now a Premier League champion.
Madueke has scored eight times across his 42 outings this season and made some notable impacts, both as a starter and off the bench. Arsenal's wide berths had previously been commanded by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.
Madueke wasn't necessarily seen as an upgrade and his move divided opinion, with Keown conceding he has been surprised by the quality he bought.
The former Gunner said: "Noni, you surprised me the most. Remember at the beginning I said one or two of the fans weren’t sure. But you’ve done an incredible job. You’re now going to a World Cup, you’ve won the Premier League. You’ve now really made a mark at this football club already."
In response to his praise Madueke said: "Thank you, I appreciate that first and foremost. It’s a dream come true to go to the World Cup, to win the Premier League with the team. We have an incredible team like Mikel said. It’s a team where you can put anyone in and perform to a really, really, really high level. Obviously it’s my first season next season will be better and the seasons to come God willing."
Madueke would score in Arsenal's final game of the season as they saw off Crystal Palace 2-1. That was the ideal warm-up for the Champions League final but the winger, who will be part of England's World Cup squad, admits their domestic success hasn't sunk in.
Noni Madueke has proved a huge hit at Arsenal
Noni Madueke has proved a huge hit at Arsenal
View 2 Images
"It's an amazing feeling, one you can't put into words," he said. "We had the feeling already after City (drew) the other day, but it's a wave of new emotions when you lift the trophy! I don't think it's dawned on me yet, but it will!"
"It was amazing, so much relief, so much joy, all positive emotions, it's something we've worked so hard for over a span of nine, ten months. To finally get that feeling of yes, we've completed it, was amazing. It was nice to score on the final day of the season, so great. I'll put it in my scrapbook of memories."
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image