Arsenal have completed the signing of Chelsea forward Noni Madueke in a deal worth an initial £48 million on 19 July, with the fee potentially rising to £52 million through add-ons.
The 23-year-old has signed a five-year contract and will add depth to Mikel Arteta’s wide options, providing competition for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. However, the move has sparked fierce backlash from sections of the Arsenal fanbase who question the player’s value.
A petition titled No to Madueke has already gathered over 5,000 signatures, while murals outside the Emirates Stadium were defaced with ‘Arteta out’ slogans in protest at the transfer. The backlash stems from concerns over Madueke’s inconsistency and the hefty fee, with critics questioning whether the England international fits Arsenal’s tactical needs.
Madueke cut short his involvement in Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign in the United States last week to undergo a medical and finalise the switch across London.
Arteta stood firm in his support of the deal, 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 forwards 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, who grew up in north London, described the move as a homecoming. “I’m really happy and really proud, so it’s a great moment for me. It’s great to go back home, be with my mum, my dad. I know my mum misses me in the house!
“It’s already a great team with a clear identity and I can’t wait to bring my style to the team and help the boys as much as possible to take that next step. I want to win all the competitions we’re in. I feel like we’re definitely capable of doing that.”
Madueke scored 11 goals for Chelsea across all competitions last season, bringing his overall tally for the club to 20 in 90 appearances. He played a key role in their UEFA Conference League triumph and helped them secure a top-four finish. He also made his senior debut for England during the campaign.
Signed by Chelsea from PSV Eindhoven in January 2023 for £30 million, Madueke becomes Arsenal’s fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Gunners’ total spend has now reached approximately £120 million, with a £13 million deal for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera close to completion. Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres also remains a target.
Madueke will link up with his new teammates in early August after Arsenal return from their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong.