Arsenal have completed the high-profile and contentious signing of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke for a reported £48 million ($65 million), the club confirmed on Friday. The 23-year-old agreed a five-year contract with the Gunners in a move that could rise to £52 million with performance-related add-ons.
Madueke’s switch across London has sparked backlash from segments of the Arsenal fanbase, who believe the fee is inflated. A petition titled “No to Madueke” has garnered over 5,000 signatures, while anti-Arteta slogans were spray-painted on murals outside the Emirates Stadium.
Despite the controversy, manager Mikel Arteta expressed enthusiasm over the acquisition. “Noni is an exciting and powerful young player… He already brings experience of club and international football and knows the Premier League very well,” Arteta said. “His arrival will really improve our squad.”
Madueke, who grew up in north London, said the move feels like a homecoming. “It’s a great moment for me… It’s already a great team with a clear identity and I can’t wait to bring my style and help the boys take the next step,” he said.
The England international scored 11 goals for Chelsea last season, contributing to their UEFA Conference League title and Champions League qualification. He joined the Blues from PSV Eindhoven in 2023 for £30 million and has since made 90 appearances, scoring 20 goals.
His arrival adds depth on the flanks for Arsenal, where he’ll provide competition for Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. Madueke is Arsenal’s third major signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. The club’s summer spending now exceeds £120 million, with a £13 million deal for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera nearing completion and talks ongoing for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Madueke will link up with his new teammates in early August following Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong.
Written By Rodney Mbua
