Noni Madueke has scored 20 goals in 92 games for Chelsea
Reports indicating Arsenal are nearing an agreement to acquire winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea for an initial fee of £48.5m have been met with disapproval from segments of the Gunners’ fanbase.
An online petition opposing the potential transfer has garnered over 4,000 signatures, while the hashtag #NoToMadueke has gained traction on social media platform X. Furthermore, murals surrounding the club’s Emirates Stadium have been defaced with graffiti demanding ‘Arteta out’.
At 23 years old, and already an England international, why is the potential signing so divisive?
Arsenal have completed the transfer of six players from Chelsea in recent years – and Madueke would be the second in this transfer window after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Some fans believe the club should be pursuing what they deem to be ‘bigger’ names.
The Gunners have, for instance, been previously linked with Real Madrid winger Rodrygo and Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze.
Responding to a post on our Arsenal page, Gunners fan Steve commented: “It feels underwhelming, to be honest. A substantial amount of money for what would essentially be a back-up player. He’s unlikely to displace [Bukayo] Saka on the right or [Gabriel] Martinelli on the left in the starting eleven.
“They should have acquired a less expensive back-up player and allocated the remaining funds to finalise the [Viktor] Gyokeres deal.
“Another factor is that some Arsenal supporters were hoping for the arrival of Rodrygo. This is now unlikely, given Arsenal’s apparent budget constraints.
“Is Madueke the kind of player who can secure the Premier League title? Probably not, but Rodrygo could be, hence the disappointment among the Arsenal fanbase.”
Andrew – a season ticket holder – suggested a divergence in opinion between fans who attend matches and those who primarily engage online.
“The key point is ‘online’,” Andrew stated. “The individuals signing these petitions are not representative of the broader Arsenal fanbase. They inhabit a parallel reality on social media, where football is perceived through the lens of a video game.
“As a season ticket holder, I can attest that the majority of match-going fans have faith in Arteta and his judgement, which has generally proven sound.
“While Madueke may not be the most glamorous signing at present, he could potentially develop into a valuable asset.
“[Nico] Williams was never a realistic target, Rodrygo would be an extravagant expenditure, [Anthony] Gordon is overrated, and I doubt this situation has any bearing on Eze. Time will tell how it all unfolds.”
Will, meanwhile, believes that a significant portion of the frustration stems from the financial outlay Arsenal would be making to Chelsea.
“I’d estimate that over half the fans don’t view Madueke as a poor player. However, the nature of the deal raises concerns – £50m for a player likely to be a substitute for Saka or appear out of place on the left wing seems like questionable business – especially considering the stakes of the season in terms of securing major silverware.
“Furthermore, the funds are being directed to Chelsea.”
Madueke is currently with Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad, having made a substitute appearance in their semi-final victory over Brazilian side Fluminense, which they won 2-0.
He joined the Blues from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for £30m and has scored 20 goals in 92 appearances.
Madueke was in the Tottenham academy before moving to the Netherlands in 2018.
He predominantly plays on the right wing, having occupied that role for 88% of his Premier League minutes – a position currently held by Saka at Arsenal.
Saka, 23, started 108 of 114 league matches from 2021-22 to 2023-24 but missed three months of last season because of a hamstring inury.
Madueke would provide a capable back-up option to Saka, but is also able to play on the left.
He was one of England’s standout performers in the recent international break and his assist from the left for Harry Kane’s winning goal against Andorra was one of three in his first seven matches.
Madueke also started four of the Blues’ final five Premier League matches of the season on that side – plus the Conference League final – and he could be direct competition for Martinelli there.
Madueke is seen by Arsenal as a good fit, as someone who has played consistent trophy-winning first-team football over the past two seasons.
He has settled well on the international stage and, at 23, there is a feeling he will continue to develop and also increase his value.
There is, obviously, an awareness that Arsenal have signed players from Chelsea in the past but there are success stories within those deals.
Forward Kai Havertz has become vital to the Gunners, midfielder Jorginho was one of Arteta’s most trusted leaders within the squad, and Kepa has joined after an impressive season at Bournemouth.
Sources around Arsenal say the initial fee for Madueke is under £50m – less than Newcastle’s move for Anthony Elanga and Tottenham signing Mohammed Kudus.
When looking at the stats, you can see why Arteta might be excited about the prospect of signing Madueke.
His expected goals (9.6), his number of shots (80), touches in the opposition box (199) and progressive carries with the ball (242) were all higher than Martinelli and Saka in the Premier League last season.
Saka only played in 25 league matches compared to Madueke’s 32, so it is a fairer comparison with Martinelli, who played 33 times.
Madueke also contributed a combined 10 goals and assists to Chelsea last season and could boost Arsenal’s much-criticised attack.
Injuries plagued Arteta’s side last season and they ended the season with limited options in attack as they fell away in the title race.
Madueke is one of the most direct wingers in the league and Arsenal, who mainly play against teams who defend deep against them, could benefit from his eagerness to beat his defender and get a shot at goal.
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