Noni Madueke has officially joined Arsenal after completing his £52million move from Chelsea – meaning a long-term target for Mikel Arteta is finally a Gunner.
At 23, the winger will bring quality and depth to Arsenal’s frontline, who are also on the brink of securing a sensational deal for Sporting Lisbon striker, Viktor Gyokeres. The club had been scouting for another winger, hence their pursuit of Madueke.
Additional attacking signings could be on the cards, including a potential bid for Crystal Palace’s coveted playmaker, Eberechi Eze. Arsenal’s interest in Rodrygo is well known, but it remains uncertain whether they will pursue the Brazilian international following Madueke’s signing.
It has now come to light that Arteta had shown interest in signing Madueke in previous summer transfer windows – however, the club’s former sporting director, Edu, had reservations about a deal for the ex-PSV Eindhoven player, reports
Edu and the club’s scouting team had doubts about signing Madueke a year ago. But with Andrea Berta now serving as the club’s sporting director, a deal has been finalised for a player who provides a quality alternative to Bukayo Saka on the right wing and can also operate on the left.
Noni Madueke has left Chelsea for Arsenal
While the deal for Madueke, which could rise to £52m if add-ons are met, has sparked mixed reactions among some fans, Arsenal are pleased with their business.
Club chiefs are buzzing, convinced they’ve snagged one of the Premier League’s hottest young talents without breaking the bank in today’s inflated transfer market.
And Arteta couldn’t hide his delight as he welcomed the new signing, saying: “Noni is an exciting and powerful young player, with his performances and numbers in recent seasons being of consistently high quality. He is one of the most talented wide forward players in the Premier League.
At just 23, Noni already brings experience of club and international football, and he knows the Premier League very well. Having seen the quality of Noni’s performances up close in recent seasons, we’re really excited he is joining us.
“Noni joins our group with familiar England teammates and other players he knows. He will be made to feel at home straight away.
“His arrival will really improve our squad – we’re all thrilled to have him here. From all of us, welcome Noni and welcome to your family.”