Arsenal have signed winger, Noni Madueke from Chelsea in a £52m transfer.
Madueke has spent the last two-and-a-half years at Chelsea where he scored 20 goals and contributed eight assists in 92 appearances, but has now joined Arsenal after he fell out of favour under Enzo Maresca despite being a regular starter under the Italian.
He even played the entirety of Chelsea’s UEFA Conference League Final victory over Real Betis in late May, as Maresca’s Blues came from behind to prevail 4-1 in the showpiece.
Arsenal consequently swooped for the 23-year-old who has signed a five-year contract until June 2030 after the Blues accepted a £52m offer for him, which will see Madueke reunite with ex teammate, Kepa Arrizabalaga who left Stamford Bridge for the Gunners last month in a £5m transfer.
On his move to North London, Madueke explained that his “gut feeling” told him to make the move.
“I’m somebody who goes with my gut feeling a lot of the time and I feel like it’s steered me in the right direction so far. So, I don’t think it’s going to be any different here. I think it’s going to be a great success and I’m really happy to be here.”
Madueke also iterated his desire to chase a quadruple in the new season and teased what he can offer Arsenal fans in terms of quality.
“To win all the competitions we’re in, I feel like we’re definitely capable of doing that. And also to help the team in every way I can and grow as a player, but also as a person.”
“I try and be a dual threat from the left and from the right. Of course, it’s a little different when I play on the left or when I play on the right, but it doesn’t really matter to me where I play. I only really have one thought in my mind when I get the ball to feet or in space, it is just to line up the full-back and go past him, so that’s definitely one of my main strengths.”
Madueke also penned a farewell message on Instagram to Chelsea thanking the club staff, players and supporters for their support as he made “fond memories” in west London.
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Manager, Mikel Arteta added: “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.”
Madueke began his career in the youth academies at Crystal Palace then Tottenham before he moved to PSV Eindhoven in June 2018, where he graduated into their senior team in January 2020 and delivered 20 goals in 80 appearances.
During his time at PSV, Madueke was part of the squad that won 2021 Johan Cruyff Shield and 21-22 KNVB Cup before he left for Chelsea in January 2023.
Madueke represents England at international level with seven senior appearances to date since his debut in September 2024.
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