Noni Madueke Targets ‘Great Success’ at Arsenal Following £48m Switch from Chelsea

Noni Madueke has expressed confidence in achieving “great success” with Arsenal following his £48 million move from Chelsea, becoming Mikel Arteta’s fourth signing of the summer transfer window.

The 23-year-old winger signed a five-year deal after making a controversial switch across London — a move that sparked backlash from sections of the Arsenal fanbase. Despite the criticism, the club remains confident that Madueke’s arrival will strengthen their title credentials as they aim to secure their first Premier League trophy in over two decades.

Madueke joins Spain international Martín Zubimendi, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (also from Chelsea), and Christian Nørgaard at the Emirates. A £13 million deal for Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera is also expected to be completed soon, bringing the Gunners’ spending to over £120 million this summer.

Arsenal are also still pursuing Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres, although a deal — potentially worth up to £65 million — is not considered imminent.

Madueke, who will compete with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for a place on the flanks, acknowledged the mixed reaction from fans but stood by his decision.

“I’m someone who goes with my gut feeling a lot of the time, and I feel like it’s steered me in the right direction so far,” Madueke said. “So I don’t think it’ll be any different here. I think it’s going to be a great success and I’m really happy to be here.

“I’ve just been relaxed, waiting for the green light. When I came in today, it all felt real. I’m really happy and proud — it’s a great moment for me.

“This is already a great team with a clear identity. 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.”

Despite his optimism, the signing has stirred controversy. A petition opposing Madueke’s arrival at the Emirates has attracted over 5,000 signatures. The response prompted former England and Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand to publicly defend the winger.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ferdinand wrote: “It’s fine for fans to disagree with signings or decisions made at their football club, but the way some fans have publicly voiced their opinions — and those who’ve gone a step further in signing a petition for this player not to be signed — is beyond me.

“I have never seen anything like this before, and I hope I never do again. Just imagine this was your best friend, a family member, your brother, or your son — how would you feel if they were on the receiving end of this vulgar behaviour?

“I just hope Noni Madueke rams all of this negativity back down the throats of these impostors.”

Madueke left Chelsea’s Club World Cup-winning campaign in the United States last Friday to undergo a medical at Arsenal. He scored 11 goals in all competitions for Chelsea last season, earning his first senior England caps under interim boss Lee Carsley and permanent manager Thomas Tuchel.

Due to Chelsea’s extended post-season schedule, Madueke will not be part of Arsenal’s upcoming tour of Singapore and Hong Kong.