Noni Madueke joins Arsenal from Chelsea in £48.5m transfer

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New Delhi: Arsenal have completed the signing of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke for an initial fee of £48.5m. Madueka was part of the Blues squad that lifted the Club World Cup trophy last Sunday after defeating Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final.

The 23-year-old winger has penned a five-year deal at the Emirates with the total fee potentially exceeding £50 million once performance-related add-ons are included.

He wrote on Instagram, “Humbled and blessed to be here. Thank you to everyone who made this possible. “I can’t wait to get on the pitch and start to repay the faith shown in me. It’s going to be so special.”

 


Madueke has featured in 92 matches for Chelsea since joining in January 2023, netting 20 goals and playing a key role in their Conference League triumph last season. Before his move abroad, he spent time in the youth systems of Crystal Palace and Tottenham, later enjoying four and a half years in the Netherlands, where he lifted the Dutch Cup.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta praised Madueke as a talented, powerful winger with consistent performances in recent seasons. Despite fan protests over the move, Madueke becomes Arsenal’s fourth summer signing and second from Chelsea. The club has also added Kepa, Norgaard, and Zubimendi with more arrivals expected soon.

Where could he fit in?

Madueke mainly plays on the right wing, where Bukayo Saka is Arsenal’s first choice, with 88% of Madueke’s Premier League minutes coming in that role. Saka has been a regular starter but missed three months last season with a hamstring injury.

England winger can also play on the left and was impressive for England recently, providing an assist for Harry Kane against Andorra. At Chelsea, he started four of their last five league games and the Conference League final on the left, putting him in direct competition with Gabriel Martinelli for that spot at Arsenal.