Noni Madueke: Mikel Arteta Explains Why Arsenal Keep Signing Chelsea Players
- Mikel Arteta has insisted he is very excited about what Noni Madueke will add to his side despite the noise surrounding the transfer
- The Arsenal head coach explained why he likes signing Chelsea players, with Madueke the sixth one he has signed
- Madueke joins a few weeks after Arsenal completed a separate deal for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga
Mikel Arteta has finally explained why he likes signing Chelsea players following Noni Madueke's arrival.
Source: Getty Images
Arsenal paid Chelsea almost KSh 9.1 billion to sign the England international on a five-year contract.
The 23-year-old is expected to shore up Arsenal's forward line and is a direct replacement for Bukayo Saka. He can also provide cover on the right wing currently manned by Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
Players Arsenal signed from Chelsea
Madueke is the sixth player Arteta has signed from Chelsea. In total, the Gunners have convinced 10 players to swap West London for North since 2006.
Notably, most players who move to Arsenal from Chelsea end up performing dismally compared to how they were at Stamford Bridge.
A petition had been started by Arsenal fans to dissuade the club from signing Madueke, but the club went on and brought him in.
This summer alone, Arsenal have signed Madueke and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who is expected to deputise David Raya.
Last season, Arsenal signed Raheem Sterling on loan. The former Manchester City star was limited to just 28 appearances all season before he was sent back to Chelsea.
The Gunners also signed Jorginho (January) and Kai Havertz in 2023, with the latter coming in at an expensive deal.
Arteta also signed a 32-year-old Willian a three-year deal on an improved deal. The Brazilian only lasted one season at the Emirates.
Why Arsenal like Chelsea players
While addressing reporters during Arsenal's tour in Singapore, Arteta finally lifted the lid on why he likes signing players from their rivals.
"Probably because they have some great players, and a lot of players. But, yeah, we try to focus on the players that we want to sign, regardless of the club they are in," he said via Hayters TV.
Arteta also congratulated Chelsea on their recent FIFA Club World Cup success in the United States. The Blues beat Paris Saint-Germain in the final.
"It's probably a coincidence. What is not a coincidence is the squad and the quality of the squad. While I'm here as well, I congratulate them for winning the Club World Cup because I think it was a big achievement for them."
The former assistant to Pep Guardiola reiterated his excitement after acquiring Madueke. The winger has been allowed to skip the Singapore tour as he has just returned from the Club World Cup.
"With Noni, I'm very, very excited. You've seen the reaction of all the players as well, especially the ones who know him very well. He needs a little bit of a break now, but he will be with us soon, showing what he's going to bring to the team."
Who else will Arsenal sign?
Arteta will also be hopeful that the club can get a new number 9 before the transfer window closes in September.
They have been involved in negotiations for Viktor Gyokeres all summer, but they are yet to get a breakthrough.
Source: Getty Images
They have previously been linked with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko, but Gyokeres is the more ideal option at the moment.
What next for Arsenal?
Arteta's charges are set to play AC Milan and Newcastle United in Singapore before playing their North London rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, in Hong Kong.
They'll then return to England, where they will face Villarreal before facing Athletic Bilbao in the annual Emirates Cup on August 9.
Arsenal will then begin their Premier League campaign against Manchester United at Old Trafford on August 17.
Arsenal accidentally confirm another signing
In a related report, Arsenal accidentally confirmed their next signing this summer while unveiling Madueke.
The club has completed a deal for Christhian Mosquera from Valencia, but they are yet to officially present him.
His photo in an Arsenal shirt was leaked on the same day Madueke was unveiled.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
