One of the shocks of the summer transfer window was Arsenal’s decision to purchase Noni Madueke from Chelsea.
The 23-year-old winger departed Stamford Bridge soon after it was reported that Madueke had agreed personal terms with Arsenal.
Andrea Berta agreed a deal with Chelsea worth £52m, as both the Italian and Mikel Arteta saw what the England international could offer to the squad.
Though those internally saw the benefits of the transfer, Madueke’s move to Arsenal has been criticised before he’s even kicked a ball in red and white.
- READ MORE: Declan Rice reveals what ‘everyone’ in the Arsenal squad is already thinking about Noni Madueke
Thomas Tuchel is a big fan of Noni Madueke
Madueke’s numbers weren’t sensational last season, but that doesn’t faze Arteta.
What the Arsenal manager is excited about is developing the 23-year-old’s game, with the understanding there that the Englishman isn’t the finished article.
Despite questions being raised by pundits, there’s a sense of bigger things coming for the attacker, for both club and country.
Speaking on the Highbury Squad podcast, journalist Henry Winter shared an insight into how the future could look for Madueke in the England squad.
“Madueke, I’ve seen play for England and Tuchel really likes him,” Winter said, before delving into what Thomas Tuchel has told him about the Arsenal winger.
“I’ve spoken to Tuchel privately and in press conferences about Madueke. He really likes him because of the pace, because of the directness, because of that dribbling capacity.”
Winter went on to share what he likes about watching Madueke, noting the player’s ability to play on either the left or right flank.
“I’ve seen him. He likes to play on the right and cut in on his left. So I understand that. But he can quite, I mean, what was it, a third of his shots last season were with his right foot.”
Tuchel sees Madueke as an exciting member of the England squad, a feeling shared by Arteta, who will be counting down the days to have his new signing join the team.
Clear why Arsenal signed Madueke
Winter’s comments are interesting, particularly from an Arsenal point of view.
As a left-footed right-winger, Madueke will compete for game time with Bukayo Saka, but he’s not the only one.
Arsenal have a real problem with Gabriel Martinelli, who, while being unstoppable on his day, has not shown signs of progression since the 2022/23 season.
Madueke’s ability to play on either side will be huge for Arsenal, who need additional quality on the left side to mirror the threat that Saka offers on the right.
The future looks bright for the former Chelsea star, who will be desperate to get to work with his new teammates.
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